Master of the Hanover Marktkirchen Altar

Albresch Collection, Neustadt, as a whole until 1927, when cut into individual panels;
Anonymous sale, Berlin, Lepke, 1975, lots 96 and 97. 

A. Stange, Deutsche Malerei der Gotik, Berlin 1954, vol. VI, p. 128, The Crucifixion reproduced plate 225;
A. Stange, Kritisches Verzeichnis der deutschen Tafelbilder von Dürer, vol. I, Munich 1967, p. 239, cat. no. 790;
H.G. Gmelin, Spätgotische Tafelmalerei in Niedersachsen und Bremen, Berlin 1974, p. 282, cat. no. 76, reproduced plate 76.9(Crucifixion only).

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. Both soft wood panels have later edging additions in the same wood as the frames. There are minor unstable vertical splits , wood knots and bowing to both paintings. The paint layers are raised and unstable on both, resulting blisters and losses. There are restored losses to the gold ground on both , also to other minor losses and the unstable paint around the wood knots. The varnishes on both are discoloured and a tonal improvement would be achieved to each with their removal. Even with their inherent problems the paintings are in an overall fair condition. Offered in gilt wood and part-painted frames, some chips
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

We are grateful to Dr. Ludwig Meyer for proposing the attribution to the Master of the Hanover Marktkirchen Altar. Dr. Meyer has identified  these two panels as belonging to a pair of altar wings painted circa 1460, each made up of four panels and depicting scenes from the Passion cycle.  In 1927 these wings were cut up into eight individual panels and dispersed: four panels were offered, Berlin, Lempertz, 15 May 1999, lot 1093, and again on 22 May 2004, lot 1090.