The Virgin and Child in a niche - en grisaille

The present work relates to a drawing by Cornelis Galle of circa 1630-40 (New Jersey, Princeton University Art Museums), executed as a study for his engraving after a design by Rubens, depicting The Virgin and Child in a niche adorned by angels with garlands (London, British Museum). The present work may be a copy after Rubens' lost design, executed by someone in the artist's circle.

A note on the provenance:
Professor Michael Jaffé C.B.E., Litt.D., F.R.S.A (1923-1997), Director of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge from 1973-1990, is perhaps best remembered for his tireless efforts to rescue works of art which were at risk of export, most notably Van Dyck’s Virgin and Child, Stubb’s Gimcrack and Renoir’s La Place Clichy, alongside his significant contributions to Rubens scholarship.