Flemish School, crica 1700

The actual painting is warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single panel is bevelled on the left and right edges. Three vertical rows of small battons have been attached on the reverse the reenforce the panel. A vertical crack of approx. 20 cm. is visible along the right edge, and a smaller vertical one is visible in the upper left corner. A few paint losses are visible along the cracks. The paint surface is covered with a dirty and yellowed varnish layer and there's some surface dirt. Small retouchings can be observed in the draperies and there's some minor strengthening in the figures' faces. Inspection under ultra violet light is largely impeded by the dirty varnish layer, but does confirm the retouchings as mentioned above. Offered in a decorative wood frame with moulded borders and fillets, with tiny holes. (MW)
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This composition is derived from an engraving by Schelte Adams Bolswert (1581-1659), but omits the figure of the Holy Father. The engraving itself is based on a lost original by Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) (see F.W.H. Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700, Amsterdam 1949, vol. III, p. 78, no. 183).