Lot 52
  • 52

NETHERLANDISH, ANTWERP, EARLY 16TH CENTURY | Christ and Joseph of Arimathea from a Lamentation

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Christ and Joseph of Arimathea from a Lamentation
  • with an old auction label inscribed in ink: collectie / Jaarsma / VIVD IRRRR / Nr. 3564 / eiken /kruisafname / Antwerpen and with a printed label to the reverse inscribed: kruisafneming / Antwerpen, eind 15e eeuw / resten van polchromie and with a label to the underside inscribed in pen: nr. 3564 / eiken Kruisafname / [...]
  • oak, with remnants of gilding and polychromy
  • 42 by 40cm., 16 1/2  by 15 3/4 in.
  • Netherlandish, Antwerp, early 16th century

Provenance

Menno Jaarsma, until 1962;
his sale, Kunstveilingen S.J. Mak van Waay, 24 January 1967, lot 3564;
Lion Morpurgo, Amsterdam;
thence by descent

Condition

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a loss to the terrasse at the front of the relief. There is some evidence of past worming, including to the back of Joseph of Arimathea, to the reverse of the relief and to the underside on the left hand side. There are a few minor chips and losses, including to Joseph's proper left sleeve, his headdress at the front, and the cloth behind Christ's proper right shoulder. There is rubbing to the noses of both figures. Much of the polychromy and gilding is lost but traces remain, particularly in Saint Joseph's face and the folds of his drapery. A light translucent varnish seems to have been applied to the surface. There is a small rectangular hole to the top of Christ's head.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Compare with a similar relief, which includes the Virgin Mary and features the Antwerp guild mark on the base, which depicts Joseph of Arimathea in similar dress and a similar sloping background, sold in these rooms as part of the Gutzwiller Collection, 12 December 1996, lot 41. The drapery, with its heavy folds and sharp 'V' shapes is further close to an Antwerp Mary Magdalen in Museum Catharijneconvent, Utrecht (inv. no. ABM bh323).