does not permit to doubt about the genuineness of the picture, and also excludes the idea that it might be a reproduction made by Velasquez of something resembling it. Very clear are the signs of corrections on the left hand, and in the linen cuff corresponding, also well marked is the change of the position of the same hand, which has been repainted dry with a little paste, and with time, of course, the traces of the collar and its colour have appeared; these signs are those that give to the hand a yellowish tint. Under the second finger can be found also the trace of the original colour. Certainly if this picture were a copy

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