Workshop of Bernard van Orley

The Bourguignon collection, Belgium;
By descent to the present owner.

The painting is cooler in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests.The support consists of two vertical panels which are flat and stable. The reverse of the panel is not visible as the painting and its painted wooden frame are set into an outer casing. The paint surface is secure, clear, and has a fine craquelure. With the naked eye some retouchings can be made out along the panel join whcih runs vertically along the centre of the painting and through the Madonna and Child. Other small retouchings can be made out in the blue cloak of the Virgin, as well as a more concentrated area in the hands of the Madonna and in the Child. Inspection under UV light confirms the generally good condition, with large parts of the work untouched. The aforementioned retouchings are confirmed as well as very minor other scattered strengthenings. Other retouchings flouresce in the face lower left, in the hat lower left, some areas of the columns and lower right.
"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."