Le Maître des Demi-figures

Vente anonyme, Londres, Christie's, 28 juillet 1955, n°121 (B. Spranger) ;
Vente anonyme, Paris, Mes Ader, Picard, Tajan, 12 décembre 1989, lot 55 (comme Rommen Verbeke)

To the naked eye: The painting appears in beautiful condition. It is painted in an oak cradled panel, perfectly straight. It has been cleaned correctly. We notice a 6 to 7 cm. long restoration on the upper thigh of Thetis, on the centre (left leg). We notice a slight retouching in Poseidon’s left leg. Under U.V. light: We notice a vertical restoration along a crack on the full length, at 7 cm. from the left edge. We also notice a vertical linear restoration on the upper right corner. We notice several scattered restorations on the flesh tints of the two figures on the centre.
"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."

Par son monogramme notre tableau a fait l’objet lors de son apparition en 1989 d’une proposition d’identification du Maître des Demi-figures avec l’artiste Rommen Verbeke par l’historien de l’art Willem de Watering.