In this artwork, how is the Attribution and authenticity discussed?
Jane McAusland, a British paper conservator, believes the work to be authentic. McAusland was initially skeptical due to newer pieces of paper attached to the drawing and due to apparent attempts to age the paper by dabbing it with coffee or tea. However, McAusland became convinced of its authenticity after she determined the paper was Italian linen—Dürer was active in Italy—and due to the presence of a watermark used exclusively by the artist.Christof Metzger, a curator at the Albertina Museum in Vienna, and Giulia Bartrum, formerly a curator at the British Museum, attribute the work to Dürer. Both believe Dürer produced the drawing as a study for his 1506 watercolor, The Virgin with a Multitude of Animals.Fritz Koreny, a former curator at the Albertina and a current researcher at the Institute for Art History at the University of Vienna, attributes the drawing to Hans Baldung. Baldung was a student of Dürer. As of late 2021, Koreny intends to publish an article outlining the reasoning behind his assertion. Metzger has refuted Koreny's claim.
University of Vienna Giulia Bartrum British Museum Hans Baldung Albertina Albertina Museum