Sir Denis Mahon has kindly confirmed the attribution and suggests that this is a study for the lost painting mentioned in the Libro dei Conti in 1639. The painting was commissioned by Marchese Bentivoglio on 23 August 1639 and, according to Malvasia, was sent as a gift to Monsignor (afterwards Cardinal) Mazarin when he was Papal Nuncio in France. A drawing probably for the same commission was sold in these Rooms 29 June 1971, lot 26, illustrated