The work was attributed to Gorgione but later changed to Sebastiano del Piombo, his pupil. It is unfinished but the full extent to which it was unfinished was only appreciated after removal of thick. Discolored layers of varnish and several layers of overpaint. After examination it was concluded that the paintings must be accepted as un unfinished masterpiece of a Venetian artist, associated with Giorgione. The article gives extensive technical discussion of materials and technique. The painting was relined and restoration confined to losses and damages. Photographs, line drawings, infrared details, x-radiograph notes references.