"An Allegorical Figure, Possibly a Personification of Architecture or Fortitude," by Michele Tosini,
called Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, oil on panel, 28 ¾ by 21 ½ inches
A less complicated but more compelling work is Lot 15, "An Allegorical Figure, Possibly a Personification of Architecture or Fortitude," by Michele Tosini, called Michele di Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio (1503-1577). This robust and impressive work appears to belong, according to the catalogue, to "a group of female bust portraits, all on panel and of similar size, painted by Michele di Ridolfo at a time when he was much influenced by Giorgio Vasari. Other pictures in the group include Lucretia and Leda in the Galleria Borhese, Rome; a Saint Mary Magdalen, formerly with Colnaghi & Co. and now in a private collection, New York; and a Judith formerly in the Heathcote sale, London, Christie's, 27 April 1928. This oil on panel measures 28 ¾ by 21 ½ inches and has a modest estimate of $60,000 to $80,000. It sold for $120,000.
Lot 15, in fact, has some of the hallmarks of the best works by Andrea Del Sarto (1486-1530), namely a strong, almost chalky palette, and subjects with robust figures and faces, unified compositions and a consistent degree of full-cheeked attractiveness combined with a resolute sense of composure.