FRENCH SCHOOL, 16TH CENTURY | Portrait of a young man, head and shoulders, wearing a black cap with a white feather

Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Private Collector'), London, Sotheby's, 5 July 2007, lot 123, where acquired by a private collector;
By whom anonymously sold ("Property of a Private Collector"), London, Sotheby's, 9 July 2009, lot 118;
There acquired by the present owner. 

The work is on a flat, stable panel which is carved on the reverse. The paint layer is well-preserved, with the details in the face and colors throughout remaining bright and clear. There is some wear to the background, particularly on the left side, and an uneven varnish in these areas is evident under ultra violet light. There are minimal retouchings, one small 2mm section on the edge of the forehead and a few pin prick-sized spots on his cheek which are visible under ultra violet light but not distracting to the naked eye. The work can be hung as is and is offered in an elaborately carved frame with stone inlays and columns.
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.