Aragonese School, 15th Century

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 16 June 1977, lot 140, as Spanish School, 15th century, for $2,500;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 28 February 1990, lot 10, as Spanish School, c. 1525, for £12,000.

The single panel is uncradled and in a stable condition. There is a 13 x 15 cm. area of missing wood from the reverse by the lower edge, but the panel is so thick this does not affect its structure. The paint surface is stable. There is a 40 cm vertical damage to the surface by the upper right corner, which has been repaired. There is an old crack 9 cm from the left hand edge, running all the way down the picture, which has been repaired. The gold work in the upper half is well-preserved apart from the aforementioned damage. The colours are strong and the gesso work is in good condition. UV lights shows small scattered retouchings in the figure and background, especially in the right hand side of his cloak.
"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."

St Sebastian is depicted standing before an altar holding the attributes of his martyrdom. This panel would probably have been the wing of an altarpiece.