The present lot is related to a signed picture sold at Phillips, London, 16 April 1991, lot 55, and to three drawings of which the earliest is dated 1615, previously in the Perman collection, Stockholm. Another signed drawing, dated 1616, is in the Schlossmuseum, Weimar (inv.no. kk 139). A further signed drawing dated 1622 is in the Staatliche Graphische Sammlung, Munich (inv.no. 37579), and was exhibited, Augsburg, Rathaus & Holbeinhaus, Augsburger Barock, 1968, no. 272, fig. 119.
Both the present study and the Weimar drawing show only six figures in contrast with the Munich drawing and the painting, where three figures have been added in the background. In addition, the pose and clothing of Pilate and the soldier at the right, and several other details have been changed. The present lot should therefore probably be dated around 1615-6, before the Munich drawing of 1622 and the related picture