Circle of Bartholomäus Bruyn the Younger

Tempera auf Holz (?)

With Schaeffer Galleries, New York;
From whom purchased by Dr. Heinrich Becker, Dortmund, by 1967;
Private collection, Dortmund, from whom purchased in 1975 by the present owner.

R. Fritz (ed.), Sammlung Becker, vol. I, Gemälde Alter Meister, Dortmund 1967, unpaginated, cat. nos 20 and 21, reproduced in colour (as Northern French Master, late 15th century).

The canvases have both been relined, the paint surfaces are relatively clean and the varnishes are old but clear. The former: there is a vertical line of restoration, upper left, measuring approx. 20 cm.; a horizontal line of restoration in the middle of the sky, measuring approx. 32 cm.; and restoration to a slightly curved, horizontal seam, running across the canvas, approx. 8 cm. from the lower margin (all visible in the catalogue illustration). The latter: there is a diagonal line of restoration, upper left, measuring approx. 8 cm.; and restoration to a vertical seam, which runs the length of the canvas, from above the cross held by Saint Jerome (both visible in the catalogue illustration). Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals very little other intervention, save for some small areas of retouching along both upper margins. In overall good condition. Offered in plain painted and gilt wood frames.
"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 pair may originally have acted as wings of an altarpiece, or have formed part of a larger polyptych. The scrolled top of the pedum held by Saint Ambrose is a direct copy after an engraving by Martin Schongauer, depicting a design for the Virgin and Child enthroned, flanked by musical angels.¹

The coats-of-arms belong respectively to the Rumelheim (or Rumelsheim) family, Strasbourg, and the Krauthaus family, from the Rhineland.²

1. I. Baum, Martin Schongauer, Vienna 1948, p. 74, cat. no. 97, reproduced fig. 97.
2. See J.B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, vol. II, p. 634 and vol. I, p. 1132, respectively.