Studio of Rogier van der Weyden

Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Gentleman"), Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 8 May 2007, lot 17, for €90,000, where acquired by the present owner.

The colours are brighter and richer than the illustration suggests. The support consists of a single panel, which is bevelled or rebated on all four edges. There is an old vertical split running the height of the panel 6.5 cm in from the right hand edge which is held by two old horizontal battens affixed to the reverse. The split or join has now opened and is now visible to the naked eye. The paint surface is generally in good order but has potential lifting in some areas. There are some minor recent losses along the lower margin. There is a small loss in the Christ Child's sleeve and another to the Virgin's fingers below. The picture has been cleaned and restored fairly recently. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals extensive restoration to the mandorla around and behind the Virgin. The figures however are very much better preserved. There has been careful touching in to the craquelure pattern on the Virgins cheek, neck and nose, and also to the white drapery of her headress and the Childs tunic. The Virgins flesh tones of her face and in particular her cheeks have been strengthened as have her fingers. Other interventions are minor and local in nature. The varnish is shiny and even. This lot is offered with a modern parcel gilt frame in good 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."

The model derives from the figures in Van Der Weyden's Saint Luke Painting the Virgin, known in several versions, the prototype for which is thought to be the work in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (see M.J. Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Painting, Leiden/Brussels 1967, vol. II, pp. 81, cat. no. 106c, reproduced plate 118). Other variants of the present composition are known, the closest being the work in the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Brussels (op. cit., p. 83, cat. no. 108a, reproduced plate 121).