German School, 18th Century

The canvas is unlined and the paint surface is secure and stable. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. The shiny varnish is marginally discoloured. Inspection under UV light reveals scattered restorations, none of which are major. The varnish fluoresces so earlier restoration work is hard to make out. In good overall condition. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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 flanking coat-of-arms, all inscribed, including: von Langenau, von Wildenberg, Blick von Lichtenberg, von Mosbbach, von Wildenberg, Freyen von Serbelsdorff (Seybodsdorff), von Dalberg, von der Leyen, Fleckenstein, Waldbott  von Bassenheim, von Ingelhein, Helstätt, von Pallant, Greiffenclau von Vollrad.

The date 1616 painted onto the Virgin's book refers to the year when Freiherr Heinrich Reinhard Waldbott von Bassenheim zu Königsfeld was rescued in troubles preceding the Thirty Years War. The picture was possibly commissioned later on to commemorate this event in the family's history.