Lot 176: Studio of Michele Tosini, called Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio Florence 1503 - 1577 , Cleopatra oil on panel

oil on panel

measurements note 57 by 43.5 cm.; 22 1/2 by 17 1/8 in.

R.P. Nicols, Esq, Brighton by 1875;
His sale, London, Christie's, 30 April 1875, lot 73 as 'Salviati' for £34.13 to Shield;
With Robertson & Bruce Ltd, Dundee, by 1939;
Anonymous sale ("The following have been removed from a Mansion House in Fife"), London, Christie's, 28 April 1939, lot 13, as 'Salviati', to Berendt.

THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN PRIVATE COLLECTOR
This studio work derives from an autograph painting sold in these Rooms on 16 April 1980, lot 93, which depicts the Magdalene rather than Cleopatra. The work also differs in the background, in the cloak, and in the bare breast which is about to be bitten by the asp. Another work depicting Cleopatra, probably also by Ridolfo's workshop, was sold in these Rooms on 19 October 1966, lot 59 (as M. di Ridolfi).