Northern Italian or French School, 17th century, three-quarter length portrait of a magistrate in long black wig and black robe, with white collar and white lace sleeves, his body turned slightly to his right, one hand with ring tucked to his waist, the other extended toward the viewer. Unsigned. Housed in an early molded and painted wood frame with gilt stenciled scroll decorations. Sight - 44" H x 32" W. Framed - 55" H x 42" W. Provenance: a Nashville, TN, estate, acquired while living in Italy in the mid 20th century. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)

Overall: Stretcher creases visible, scattered large spots of bloom, and moderate to heavy craquelure with cleavage and flaking. Left side: 1/2" area of loss 8" from top, 2" area of loss 15" from bottom, whole side has moderate grime and possible mold residue. Center: 1 1/2" area of loss 7" from top in subject's hair with flaking. Frame: Significant loss to gilding and paint overall. Black light shows some darker areas at bottom 1/4 of painting, does not appear to be inpainting but irregular varnish. Some pest damage to wood on left side and bottom with soft areas and 18" loss at bottom left corner edge and 6" loss at outside edge.