Netherlandish School, circa 1520

A single panel, uncradled but stable. There is a loss to the panel in the upper left corner, and a tiny knock on the upper right corner. The paint surface is very dirty and the varnish is yellow and old. Beneath this the detail in the drapery, the writing in the book, the small plants, is all well- preserved. There are two small knocks, a number of fine vertical lines of paint loss, and some very fine scratches in the paint. A minor split extends 7 cm down from the damage upper right corner. This lot is offered without a frame.
"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 composition finds echoes in one of the panels sold as a set of four, London, Christie's, 3 July 2013, lot 114. We are grateful to Dr Till-Holger Borchert for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.