Flemish Artist Active in Italy, 17th Century

Anonymous sale, ("Property of a Family Trust") New York, Sotheby's, 30 January 1998, lot 141;
Where purchased by the present owner.

The copper plate is flat. overall there is excellent retention of the paint surface with lovely detail and strong coloration. there is only one tiny loss in the sky upper right, otherwise no other apparent losses or liftings. under UV light: there is a very small retouch on Virgin's forehead; a couple of tiny dots on Christ's body and just a few other tiny ones scattered. the painting is presentable and can be hung as is. Offered in a faux ebony 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.
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.

This painting appears to be by an artist working in Rome in the circle of artists such as Girolamo Muziano and Paul Bril.  It relates closely to an engraving by Cornelis Cort (Flemish 1533-1578) of 1571, for which the original designer is not known.  The composition of the present painting is actually closest to yet another print which copies the Cort engraving:  it is in the same direction, with the figures seen slightly further back in the picture plane, and includes the distant landscape seen beyond the ruin which is not seen in the original Cort engraving.