The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has been recently restored and should be hung as is. On the left and right sides small additions have been added to the canvas. On the right side approximately an inch and a half has been added and on the left, approximately one inch has been added. The canvas was lined, probably in the nineteenth century. The paint layer has also been cleaned and retouched and varnished. The condition of this painting is not particularly good and there are a good deal of retouches visible under ultraviolet light throughout the picture, particularly in the lighter colors of the figures. Given all of this, the picture looks well and should be hung as is. Some attention should perhaps be given to the additions on the left and right sides since they do not appear to have been retouched.
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.

The prime version of Donna Venusta, which is slightly larger than the present work, is now in a private collection.  (See, J. Jacoby, Hans von Aachen 1552-1615, Berlin 2000, p. 17, reproduced; pp. 203-205, no. 61.)