North Netherlandish Caravaggesque, circa 1625

Private collection, London;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie’s, 23 November 1956, lot 149 (as Terbrugghen);
With Rothmann, London, by 1958;
With Gallery Meissner, Zurich (as Caravaggio);
In the collection of the father of the present owner by the 1960s;
Thence by inheritance.

B. Nicolson, Hendrick Terbrugghen, London 1958, p. 124, cat. no. E105 (listed under ‘Works wrongly attributed to Terbrugghen’);
B. Nicolson, The International Caravaggesque Movement, Oxford 1979, pp. 39 and 101, reproduced plate 184 (listed under 'North Netherlandish');
B. Nicolson, Caravaggism in Europe, L. Vertova (ed)., Turin 1989, vol. I, p. 92, cat. no. 1081, reproduced vol. III, fig. 1081 (‘as Caravaggesque unknown, North Netherlandish’);
L.J. Slatkes and W. Franits, The Paintings of Hendrick ter Brugghen 1588–1629 Catalogue Raisonné, Amsterdam 2007, p. 237, cat. no. R1 (listed under 'Paintings Formally Attributed to, or Associated with, ter Brugghen, Now Rejected').

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is relatively clear. There are areas of discoloured retouching visible to the naked eye in the upper and lower right corners, and throughout Lot's head, chest and red drapery. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals two campaigns of restoration. The more recent campaign comprises the aforementioned retouchings, as well as small, localised areas in the central figure's breast, eye socket and hair, and scattered in the background on the left and in the forearm and drapery of the figure on the left. The older campaign is more difficult to discern beneath the varnish but appears to consist of very small, careful retouchings found in for example the hair and upper back of the figure on the left. Despite these restorations the image remains vibrant and readable. Offered in a parcel gilt and painted carved wood frame in good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."