Achillito Chiesa, Milan;
His sale, New York, American Art Association, 27 November 1925, lot 29 (as Anthony van Dyck);
There purchased by the family of the present owner.

The copper plate appears to be flat and stable. There is an old, repaired, horizontal crack along the bottom of the plate, which does not appear to penetrate through to the painted surface. The copper has been laid onto a wooden stretcher to help it fit the frame. There are scattered small losses to the edge of the copper, but overall the paint surface appears stable and in good state. The image is dirty and covered by an old varnish. Three slight, superficial scratches are visible in the sitter's forehead, over her right eye. Under UV, scattered retouches address these scratches and there are a few addtional touches at the sitter's neck and in her index finger. This work would respond well to cleaning. In a carved and painted wood frame with touches of gilding.
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.

It has been suggested that that this portrait may represent a member of the Brandt family. The sitter bears a likeness to Rubens' first wife Isabella Brandt.