Jonathan Richardson, the elder, London (1665-1745), L.2183; possibly his estate sale, Christopher Cock (London), 22 January - 8 February 1747, any one of 35 lots listing Perino; John Barnard, London (1709-1784), L.1419; possibly his estate sale Greenwood (London) 16 - 24 February 1787, any one of 8 lots listing Perino; Sotheby's (London); purchased there by Sir Robert Witt, London (1872-1952), L.2228b, n.d. (as by Perino); Witt Bequest 1952

de Castris, Pierluigi Leone, Polidoro da Caravaggio: L'opera completa, Napoli / Electa 2001
cat. 142
fig. 52

Watermark: Watermark: unable to check due to the mount. The VSC seems to show one at upper centre but extensive wash hidden on the verso obscures it.

Collector's mark: Recto: lower right, stamped in black ink: Sir Jonathan Richardson, the elder (L.2183). Mount (historic), Recto: lower right corner, pen and brown ink: John Barnard (L.1419). Mount (historic), Verso: upper centre edge, pen and brown ink: Jonathan Richardson the elder (L.2984); right centre, pen and brown ink: John Barnard (L.1419) accompanied by inv. no. and dims “No. 47. / 8 ½ by 6”; lower right corner, stamped in black ink: Sir Robert Witt (L.2228b).

Inscription: Verso (hidden under support, visible via transmitted light with VSC): lower centre, ink: “Pierino del Vaga”. Mount (historic), Verso: upper centre edge, brown ink, cut off, Richardson the elder’s hand, shelfmarks: “[…] 34. / t.”; centre, graphite, including Witt number: “2296 no15 [checkmark]”; lower left, graphite: “John Barnard Died 1797 Berkeley Square / Sales Greenwoods Feb 16th 1787 / “ Philipe’s Apr 16. 1798 / amp. Jonathan Richardson Senr / 1665-1745”; lower right, graphite: “Perino del Vada” [sic]; lower right edge, graphite: “OM”.