Antwerp School, circa 1570

The support consits of five horizontal oak planks which are supported with a cradle on the reverse and are flat and stable. The painting is now dirty and its varnish layer discoloured. Overall, the paint surface appears to be in very good condition indeed for a panel of this size. There is a small recent loss of 1 cm by 1 cm above the scissors lower right. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals no major damages or repairs. There has been some minor repair along the panel join running through the saint's arms and hands and to his bicep above. There has been quite extensive strengthening or washing in to the shadows in the background notably in the architectural details behind the Saint, to the shadows of the lectern and other objects on his table, his forearm and details of the lower left foreground. Most of these strengthenings are largely superficial and have all now discoloured and are visible to the naked eye. This lot is offered with a later gilt plaster 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."

We are grateful to Mr Jan de Maere for suggesting an attribution to the young Wenceslas Coeberger before he travelled to Italy in 1580.  Coeberger was a pupil of Marten de Vos and trained as an architect as well as a painter, which would account for the competent architectural setting of the present work.