FOLLOWER OF FRANÇOIS CLOUET | Portrait of a bearded young man at the age of 34, bust length, wearing a black cap

With Galerie Pardo, Paris;
Alberti Bruni Tedeschi;
His sale, London, Sotheby's, 21 March 2007, lot 23;
There acquired. 

The painting is brighter and slightly less red in tone than it appears in the catalogue illustration. The panel is uncradled, bevelled along all four edges, and has a slight convex bow. The painting is not excessively dirty and although the varnish layer is slightly discoloured, the painting could be hung as it is. The figure of the man is largely in good condition, his face almost entirely intact, but there are some discoloured retouchings visible in the green background. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows up a tiny spot on the bridge of his nose, others on his lower lip and chin, but otherwise the man's face is in excellent condition. Scattered retouchings are visible throughout the background, more concentrated in an area to the left of the figure. A number of strengthenings on his black overcoat are also visible upon closer inspection, although these are under the present varnish and are not visible to the naked eye. Further very minor localised retouchings occur on the spotted undercoat, both on his chest and on his neck, but these have been sensitively applied and are scarcely visible. Apart from the background area, the painting is in good condition, particularly on the figure itself. The carved and gilt wood cassetta-style frame, albeit old, is probably not original: it has numerous knocks and chips but is structurally sound (see catalogue illustration).
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.

Although the identity of the sitter remains elusive, he is clearly a prominent figure as suggested by his intricately decorated shirt with a high ruffled neck. These ruffs on the neck became very much in vogue during the 16th century, and were used by the monarchs and the nobility.  Meanwhile the gems and jewels that decorate his beret, matching those that act as buttons for his shirt, reaffirm the importance of this stylish sitter.