Master of the Female Half-Lengths

Colonel William Stirling of Keir, Keir House, Dunblane, Scotland;
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 14 July 1978, lot 23.

The panel comes from a single plank, which is uncradled and slightly bowed. There are some small discoloured retouchings to surface scratches in Christ's hair, measuring less than 0.5 cm. and 1 cm., to a small loss at the right corner of His mouth, and to two small losses in His knees. Inspection under ultraviolet light also reveals retouchings to a small line between Christ's eyebrows, along the Virgin's right cheekbone and to small areas in her forehead and neck, to Christ's legs, and small spots in the Virgin's drapery around them. Offered in a gilt and painted cassetta frame with decorative border 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."

This charming picture is entirely typical of the Master of the Female Half-lengths, who specialised in small-scale panels in a courtly style depicting elegant and fashionably-attired women reading, writing or making music, often shown against a plain or neutral background. Another version of this composition, depicting the Virgin and Child reading the breviary, is last recorded as having been sold in Berlin, Paul Graupe, 20–21 October 1936, lot 28 (see RKD no. 30814).