School of Bruges, last quarter of the 15th Century

The Duques de Medinaceli;
By descent to their second son, the Duque de Tarifa;
By descent to the Conde de Campo Rey;
Thence by descent to the present owner. 

This painting displays strong parallels with works by the Master of the Legend of Saint Lucy, who was active in Bruges in the last quarter of the 15th Century, and may be by an artist active in his workshop or immediate circle.

Topographical details within the picture allow for a relatively precise dating of the work.  To the upper left of the picture the artist has included a view of the city of Bruges, including the prominent spire of the church of Notre Dame.  Immediately to the left of the spire is the belfry, which was completed by the end of 1487.  In 1493 a fire ravaged the uppermost parts of the belfry, destroying the roof and spire but sparing the stone octagon.  It was not until 1499 that the building was repaired, with the addition of a new stone balustrade and an image of the lion of Flanders formed of beaten copper.  The building is depicted here with its original roof and spire missing but before the additions of 1499, suggesting a dating before then but after 1493.