Studio of Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt

The canvases is relined. Overall this picture presents are very strong image to the naked eye and is in generally healthy condition. The sitter's flesh tones are in very nicely preserved state as both hands and face seem untouched and without restoration. The silk necklace attached to his medallion seems to be reconstructed as it completely fluoresces under ultraviolet light. The painting in general appears to be under a somewhat uneven varnish upon which only a few small retouches are visible. Possible retouches in the drapery upper right and left are visible under ultraviolet light though these may also be uneven varnish reflections. The painting should be shown to a professional restore to confirm what is restoration and what is uneven varnish. The painting is in a modern metal frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Mierevelt, the son of a goldsmith, was a Delft painter who trained predominantly under Willem Willemsz and Antoine Blocklandt along with a few other unknown masters. From 1581 he lived and worked in Utrecht and upon his return to Delft in circa 1589 he was appointed an officer of the Guild of St. Luke. By the turn of the century he became a portrait specialist and ultimately one of the most accomplished practitioners of the genre in the low countries. He was appointed the official painter to the Stadholder Court and soon after began to produce portraits of members of the House of Orange Nassau and other prominent Delft figures. This portrait is among Miervelt's most famous compositions, and is a variant of a series of portraits of Prince Maurits that the artist and his studio began executing in circa 1607 on the occasion of Maurits assuming command of the Royal naval forces. In the original design (an example of which is in the Rijksmuseum), Maurits is portrayed wearing the gilded and engraved ceremonial armor presented to him by the States-General following his victory at the Battle of Nieuwpoort. In the present example Maurits wears ceremonial black robes and the Order of the Garter which he was awarded on 4 February 1613.