Spanish, 16th century

with the catalogue page of the 1890 Drouot sale (see provenance) on the reverse

M. Dubussy, France;
his sale, Hotel Drouot, 17 and 18 March 1890, lot 112

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. The relief is carved in sections, and there is an open but stable joint running vertically across the back wall and the Christ Child. There is also some stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material, including to the Virgin's proper left arm, and to Joseph and the wall behind him; this opening has been stabilised at the back. There are three sections of wood at the back to stabilise the composition. There are a few minor losses, notably to the wall above Joseph, to the wall on the right side, and to the front edge at the bottom. There is evidence of past worming in areas, notably to the back wall. There is wear to the polychromy and gilding, including flaking, in particular at the high points.
"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."

This portrait of the Holy Family shows the adoration of the Christ Child with Joseph, the Virgin, and a lady in contemporary dress. Holding a veil in both hands, she resembles Saint Veronica, seemingly foretelling Christ's later Passion. However, with her contemporary clothing with elaborate headdress and intricately draped sleeves, she might well represent a contemporary donor. The influence of wood sculptors and panel painters of the late Gothic and Early Modern Netherlands, which is apparent throughout Northern Spain in the early 16th century, can be seen in the treatment of the drapery and the dress of the 'donor'. Successful sculptors such as Gil de Siloé and Felipe Vigarny - particularly famed for his skill in relief carving - were trained in the Low Countries, but brought to Spain in order to disseminate this fashionable style of sculpting. See, for instance, a set of reliefs of the four Evangelists in the National Museum of Sculpture, Valladolid (inv. nos CE2098-2901).