Workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder, circa 1530

With Galerie van Diemen, Berlin, by 1921 (or possibly 1924), according to a label on the reverse.

Panel is spruce wood and uncradled. It is very slightly bowed from right to left. There is a vertical join at right side that runs from top to bottom edge down through figure's arm and right side of costume. This join is visible to naked eye and is reinforced on reverse with a strip of canvas. There are old, crudely done retouches along the join. There is generally good retention of the paint surface on figure and nice detail, especially in face. There appear to be some areas of old repaired liftings in upper background and along parts of join that give an uneven appearance in these areas. Examination under UV light reveals retouching along join as mentioned; others are scattered here and there on costume with some larger ones at lower left and right. face looks good. Offered in a gilt wood 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 narrow panel undoubtedly was on the left-hand side of an altarpiece. The figure's features and the handling of the drapery suggest an artist working in central Germany around 1520 or 1530. Similar bishop saints can be found in the works of the Master of the Pflock Altarpiece, who was identified by Andreas Tacke as Simon Franck, and in this context we can view the artist as being in the wider circle of Lucas Cranach.¹

1. A. Tacke, Der katholische Cranach:  Zu zwei Grossaufträgen von Lucas Cranach d. Ä., Simon Franck und der Cranach-Werkstatt (1520-1540), Mainz 1992