Michiel I Coxie

Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 2 September 2003, lot 15 (as Circle of Coxie), where acquired by the present owner.

The support consists of five vertical panels joined to the reverse with a series of vertical batons and old canvas strips, overall there is a very slight convex bow. The paint surface is secure and clean and appears to be in relatively good condition, although a little flat in some of the darks of the background, and under a glossy varnish. Some old discoloured retouchings are visible to the naked eye along the lines of the panel joins. Inspection under UV light is largely impeded by the varnish but the aforementioned retouchings do fluoresce as does a more substantial area of repaint approx 20 cm squared lower right to the right of St John's right calf. Offered in an ornate gilt wood and plaster frame in good fair condition.
"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."

Coxie's authorship of this unpublished painting was first recognised by M.J. Friedländer in a letter dated 13 April 1940 and has recently been confirmed by Bob van den Boogert, after inspection of the original in November 2009. He particularly noted the characteristic modelling of the head comparing it to The Holy Kinship, Stiftgalerie, Kremsmunster.¹

The prototype, now thought to be by a pupil of Raphael, is in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence.²  Coxie's admiration for Raphael is well documented and was confirmed in 1540 when he named his first-born Raphael.

Van den Boogert has suggested an execution date after Coxie's return from Italy, and this is confirmed by Dr. Peter Klein's dendrochronological examination of the oak panel support which suggests an earliest possible felling date of 1545 (as outlined in his report, dated 21 December 2009).

1. See B.C. van den Boogert, "Michiel Coxcie, hofschilder in dienst van het Habsburgse huis", in Michel Coxcie, pictor regis (1499-1592), Mechelen 1992, p. 118, fig. 1.
2. See P. de Vecchi, L'Opera completa di Raffaello, Milan 1979, pp. 118-19, no. 144.