FRENCH SCHOOL CIRCA 1550 | Portrait of a Lady, half length, with a fur-trimmed collar

Former collection of Sir Brian Lawrence, Old Friar, Hampshire ;
Anonymous sale, Paris, Galerie Charpentier, Me Rheims, 12 décembre 1953, lot 47 (as Catharina van Hemessen) ;
Anonymous sale, Paris, Galerie Charpentier, Me Rheims, 30 novembre 1956, lot 48 (as Catharina van Hemessen ; purchased 339 360 F).

A l’œil nu : Par rapport à l’image du catalogue le fond est plus vert. Le tableau se présente dans un état de conservation moyennement satisfaisant. Il est peint sur un joli panneau de chêne composé d’une planche. On remarque des anciens repeints au niveau du visage et du costume noir. On remarque quelques petits manques de matière picturale en bas à droite. La matière picturale semble trop sèche. A la lampe U.V. : On remarque les reprises déjà mentionnées et des plus récentes autour de son visage et au niveau du haut de son costume. Très probablement le fond a été repris dans la partie supérieure droite. Le tableau nécessite un travail de restauration afin de le remettre en valeur. Vendu dans un cadre moderne doré avec velours noir. With the naked eye: The background seems greener than the catalogue’s illustration would suggest. The painting is in moderate satisfactory condition. It is painted on a fine piece of oak panel consisting of a single piece. We notice some old retouching on the woman’s face and in her black dress. We also notice some tiny paint losses in the right bottom corner. The pictorial substance seems to be too dry. Inspection underneath U.V. light: We notice the aforementioned retouchings and some more recent around the woman’s face and the upper part of her dress. The background was likely retouched in the upper-right corner. The painting should be nicely restored in order to be more attractive. Offered with a modern gilded and black velvet 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. 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."

We are grateful to Mrs. Alexandra Zvereva for her help in cataloguing this lot.