Workshop of Sir Peter Paul Rubens

The painting presents a handsome and strong image with good retention of coloration and detail. The paint surface overall is in good condition and clean beneath a clear varnish. The canvas has a modern glue relining and is stable on its stretcher with some small losses to the original canvas in the upper edge, particularly the upper left corner. An old horizontal stretcher bar mark is visible in the upper section of the curtain but this is not distracting. Inspection under UV reveals what appears to be an old filled hole (approx. 1 by 1 in.) and associated inpainting (approx. 5 by 2 in.) and another smaller area of inpainting, both in the sleeve at right and another smaller restored puncture beneath the collar at right. There are fine lines and dots of retouching scatteredhere and there throughout the background and further minor retouches to the ruff, particularly at the right side. There are some minor retouches in her hands and very few in her face and the flesh tones overall appear to be well preserved. There is minor retouching at the edges, presumably attending to old frame abrasion. The painting is ready to hang. Offered unframed.
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.

This painting closely follows Sir Peter Paul Rubens’ original in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (inv. no. 2068).¹

1. See F. Huemer, Corpus Rubenianum Ludwig Burchard: Portraits, vol. XIX, London 1977, pp. 104-105, cat. no. 3, reproduced fig. 45.