School of Lake Constance, circa 1480

The support consists of a single uncradled panel which has a canvas support on the reverse running along the left edge and a slight convex bow. There is a vertical crack running 30 cm from the lower edge. The back is painted with the Angel Gabriel and has suffered considerable losses. The paint on the recto is fairly abraded in some areas, with a few infilled losses to the outer edges. There are scattered retouchings and infills visible under UV light. Offered unframed.
"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."

We are grateful to Mr. Ludwig Meyer for endorsing the attribution to the School of Lake Constance and for suggesting that the painting is close in style that of the Murer family of artists working in this region at the end of the 15th Century. The treatment of Saint Sebastian and the punchwork in the gold background can be compared to an altarpiece by Hans Murer the Elder  in the Karlsruhe Gallery of Art, Germany (see WITT library  mount).