Follower of Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn

Count Andrei Rostopchin (1813–92), Moscow;
Mrs. Trafford, Goodrich Court, Ross-on-Wye, 1946;
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 12 July 1946, lot 76, for £357, to Major Haye[?] (as Rembrandt);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 12 December 1947, lot 66 (as Rembrandt);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 26 June 1959, lot 113, for 190 guines, to Herzig (as Carel van der Pluym);
With Galerie Sanct Lucas, Vienna, 1959.

Vienna, Galerie Sanct Lucas, Gemälde alter Meister-Neuerwerbungen, December 1959 – January 1960.

The panel is uncradled and made of three vertical planks, which have been thinned and butterfly battens inserted to hold the joins on the reverse. The painting is now dirty and its varnish layer very yellowed. The paint surface is in fair overall condition but has become worn in some areas. There are numerous old discoloured retouchings throughout the paint surface. These are mostly scattered around the joins and across the background, face and sleeve, but with a much greater concentration to the shawl. Offered in a later French style gilt frame with some minor losses.
"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."