The Master of the Twelve Apostles

Collection of Don Juan Nepomucè Font i Sangrà;
By family descent to his niece Doña Ana Maria de Ros i Font;
Acquired by Ilustrísimo Señor Don Antonio d’Ortodó i Comas in June 1939;
By direct family descent to the present owner 

The panel has developed a very slight bow but is otherwise perfectly stable. The paint surface is now dirty and the varnish layer discoloured and the picture is in good overall condition though a few finer details are now worn. There are a number of small scattered losses at the foot of the panel. There are a number of scattered old discoloured repairs to old losses or areas of wear. These include the tunic of the apostle with a raised arm and the arms of the two apostles kneeling below him and the draperies of the man next to them, as well as scattered smaller retouchings in the foreground and landscape. Offered in a later elaborate carved and gilt wood frame, in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The artist, a close follower of Garofalo and the Dossi in Ferrara, takes his name from a series of twelve panels in the collection of the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Ferrara. He was  first identified by C. Savonuzzi in his article 'Il maestro dei Dodici Apostoli', La critica d'arte, viii, 6, fasc. XXXII, March 1950, pp. 377–80.