18th Century European Portrait of a Child Saint John the Baptist
Oil on Canvas
19 x 14-1/4 inches (24-1/4 x 19-12 w/frame)

This lovely and sensitive painting has been examined by a professional restorer who was formerly at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and now works and consults privately. Based on the materials, style and execution, it is of "the period," that being the 18th century.

As for the chalk writing on the writing on the verso of the frame that seems to indicate an auction lot number from 1995, those are possibly from Christie's auction house. As of yet, Christie's has not clarified that the painting did in fact go through one of their sales. These notations will be discussed further at such a time as we hear back from Christie's.