Pieter de Witte, called Candid

Circular

With Fritz Mont, New York, circa 1973;
There purchased by Dr. Edmund Pillsbury;
By whom anonymously sold ("Property from a Distinguished Private Collection"), New York, Sotheby's, 27 January 2005, lot 109;
There purchased by the present collector. 

Copper is flat. overall the paint surface has been very well retained. ultraviolet light reveals an area of retouching in Virgin's green drapery at lower center. some other very small retouches can be seen in sky at upper center and in the dark clouds at lower left edge and bottom left edge. these have all been well applied and painting is presentable as is.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Peter Candid emigrated from the Netherlands to Florence as a child where he probably started his artistic apprenticeship.  Between 1572 and 1573 he worked with Giorgio Vasari on the frescoes of the Sala Regia in the Vatican.  He also painted a number of grand altarpieces in Volterra.  In 1586, he entered the service of Maximilian of Bavaria, leaving Tuscany for Munich.

The crescent moon under the Madonna's feet is a traditional symbol which represents her chastity.