Manner of Manner of Titian Tiziano Vecellio, called Titian

Anonymous sale, London, Christie’s South Kensington, 7 March 1996, lot 34 (as English School, early 19th century).

The following condition report is provided by Sarah Walden who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: The original canvas is lined. There is a 6" horizontal tear and another minor damage , with accompanying minor paint loss ,above the sitter's head. The tacking edge has degraded. The paint layer is stable but there has been minor paint loss , scattered across the surface , and evidence of microscopic pin prick loss particularly to the flesh tones. Elsewhere the paint is in good condition and paint texture is well preserved. The removal of the discoloured varnish would improve the overall tonality.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The pose of this figure is based on the figure of Venus in Titian's Venus blindfolding Cupid of circa 1565, in the Galleria Borghese, Rome.¹

1. See H.E. Wethey, The paintings of Titian. The Mythological and Historical Paintings, London 1975, vol. III, p. 131-32, cat. no. 4, reproduced plate 159.