Workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder

By descent in the family of the present owner, probably since the 16th century.

The thin, uncradled panel is bowed (in the centre to the depth of 2 cm). The paint surface is stable and the varnish clear and even. There are no damages visible to the naked eye bar a tiny, very minor surface scratch in the fur of his left cuff. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals only a handful of tiny scattered spot retouchings and no major restoration. The varnish fluoresces thick and opaque under these small retouchings, a small patch in the bottom right corner (2 by 2 cm) seems to have had the varnish removed, a cleaning patch perhaps. In excellent overall condition.
"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."

Cranach and his workshop produced a good number of portraits of Erasmus, a highly popular and brilliant scholar who preached peace and tolerance during a time of great religious upheaval. Almost all of them are of this type: Erasmus is half-length, facing to our left, hands clasped at his waist. The majority, too, are on a small scale such as this. Cranach's composition is derived from Hans Holbein's famous depiction of the sitter, executed in 1523, now in a private collection.