Swiss School, circa 1500-1510

Professor Diarmid Noel Paton;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 25 March 1977, lot 37 (as by Jacob Cornelisz. van Oostzanen).

Edinburgh, 1883, nos. 518 and 519, as by Memlinc (according to the 1977 sale catalogue, see Provenance).

The actual paintings are deeper in tone than the catalogue illustrations suggest. Both thin, original arched shaped, panels have been laid down on larger pinewood panels. Both panels have a slight convex bow. Both panels have been enlarged on all edges with thin strips of wood of approx. 3 mm, and are lightly bevelled. In the painting of Saint Andrew there are a few tiny paint losses in the lower left corner, and in the other painting there's a tiny fleck of paint loss in the upper centre left. Otherwise, both paint layers seem to be in very good condition. Saint Andrew: a few small discoloured spots of retouching can be observed in the checkered floor, along the lower edge, and in the green drapery of the saint. Saint Jerome: a few small discoloured retouchings can be observed in the checkered floor, in the sky upper centre and in the saint's head and draperies. Both paint layers are covered with a thick and dirty layer of varnish. Inspection under Ultra-Violet light confirms the aforementioned retouchings, and in both paintings, reveals a few additional tiny ones. Offered in plain gilt wood frames with scroll and leaf decorations, in fair condition. (MW)
"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 Ludwig Meyer for suggesting that these paintings originate from the Swiss School, around 1500/10. The relatively small scale and the red of the drapery are reminiscent of  Hans Fries (1470-1518) and his followers, who were active in Fribourg and Basel at this date.