Follower of The Master of Flémalle

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The oak panel has a central vertical repaired join with evidence of minor worm damage. The paint surface is raised and there has been some minute paint losses throughout the surface some of which have been retouched out (flesh tones and drapery). The varnish is discoloured and a tonal difference would be achieved with its removal . Despite the paint loss the painting can be said to be in a reasonable condition with the potential for appreciable improvement."
"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."

The composition derives ultimately from a design by the Master of Flémalle, also depicting The Holy Trinity, in the Hermitage, St Petersburg.¹ The Master of Flémalle's design is closely linked to another by Rogier van der Weyden depicting The Descent from the Cross, several copies of which are listed by Friedländer but the best of which is thought to be that in the Royal Collection.²   Being in reverse, the present work is probably based on an engraving after the panel by the Master of Flémalle, and would appear to have been executed in Germany.

 

1. M.J. Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Painting, vol. II, Leyden 1967, p. 72, no. 65, reproduced plate 92.
2. Friedländer, op. cit., p. 80, no. 98a, reproduced plate 111.