Follower of Jan Sanders van Hemessen

The panel has recently been cradled and seems flat and stable. The is an old vertical irregular split running up through the centre of the panel, and two smaller vertical old splits of c.12 cm and 10 cm in the upper left and right hand corners. The painting has recently been cleaned and restored and now has a very thick layer of glossy varnish. The varnish impedes assessment under ultra violet light, but there do not seem to be any major damages or repairs. Retouching is visible around the splits, to the background, and to scattered minor old losses, for example on Christ's elbow and chest.
"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 and treatment of the story of the Mocking of Christ is similar to that of a signed work by Jan van Hemessen, of the same subject, in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich.¹ The musculature of the body of Christ, the high positioning of his hands that clutch the instruments of his torture, the broad woven crown of thorns, and the figure of the man in a turban behind the shoulder of Christ are recurrent themes. 

Another version of the present work, also on panel and of the same dimensions, is in a European private collection.

1. See B. Wallen, Jan van Hemessen: an Antwerp painter between Reform and Counter-Reform, Michigan 1983, p. 303-304, cat. no. 30, reproduced fig. 111.