Lot 12: Portrait of a gentleman, half-length, in a black coat and white ruff, a book in his left hand, a skull beyond

Circle of Hieronimo Custodis (fl.1589-1592)
Portrait of a gentleman, half-length, in a black coat and white ruff, a book in his left hand, a skull beyond
oil on panel
16 x 14½ in. (40.6 x 36.8 cm.)
inscribed 'ANO. DÑI. 1583 AETATIS SVAE' (upper left); and 'VIVA MIHI CHRISTVS ORILUCHV NIHIL' (upper right)

J. Collins; Christie's, London, 23 July 1937, lot 124 as 'Gheeraedts', (15 gns. to Richardson);
and thence by descent to the present owner.