Oil on panel by Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Poelenburgh (Utrecht 1590-1667). On the back, an old inscription "Poelenburgh from the collection of the Duke of Buckingham". The painting depicts one of his favorite subjects. He was a student of Abraham Bloemaert, studied in Rome, where he remained from 1617 to 1625, and Florence. He excelled, in particular, in painting small figures, nudes, landscapes with Italianate ruins, on copper or panels, sometimes with mythological or biblical scenes, sometimes in contemporary settings. He was one of the most important representatives of the first generation of "Dutch Italianates" painters and one of the founders of the "Schildersbent". After returning to Utrecht, he became a very successful painter, famous in aristocratic and royal circles. In 1637 he went to England, where he remained for four years, painting for King Charles I. Among his patrons were Charles I, Cosimo II de 'Medici, Frederick V, Elector Palatine, and Baron van Wittenhorst. The painting was restored about forty years ago and is in excellent condition. Panel dimensions 46.3 x 41 cm, with frame 70.5x66.5 cm.
