SCHOOL OF REMBRANDT HARMENSZ. VAN RIJN | The Head of John the Baptist Carried on a Plate to Herod

Laid down. Condition extremely good and fresh. Sold in a modern gilded 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.

Rembrandt is known to have had at least fifty students during the course of his career, and maybe many more.  Only a small proportion of these artists are known to us today as artistic personalities, and there will always be a substantial number of Rembrandt school drawings that cannot be attributed to a known pupil.  This is currently one of those works, although the relatively unusual use of fine oriental paper - something that only Rembrandt himself and Jan Lievens did with any regularity at this time - might eventually help with an attribution, as could the equally unusual use of only black ink and grey wash, without any of the brown pigments that are more typical of the Rembrandt school.  The drawing is, though, executed with some considerable skill, and the very unusual treatment of this familiar biblical subject also shows a certain artistic confidence.