Spinello di Luca Spinelli, called Spinello Aretino

Private collection, Koblenz;
With Galerie Dr. Riedl, Munich, 2002 (as Florentine School, circa 1390, circle of Spinello Aretino), from whom acquired by the present owner.

Berlin, Gemäldegalerie, Geschichten auf Gold. Bilderzählungen in der frühen italienisch Malerei, 4 November 2005 - 26 February 2006, no. 13.

S. Weppelmann, Spinello Aretino und die toskanische Malerei des 14. Jahrhunderts, Florence 2003, pp. 330-31, cat. no. 92b, reproduced p. 330;
S. Weppelmann, in Geschichten auf Gold. Bilderzählungen in der frühen italienisch Malerei, exh. cat., Berlin 2005, pp. 200-05, cat. no. 13c, reproduced in colour p. 202;
S. Weppelmann, Spinello Aretino e la pittura del trecento in Toscana, Florence 2011, pp. 342-44, cat. no. 92b, reproduced pp. 342-43.

In overall fair condition. The panel is made up of a single plank, which is uncradled and stable, but slightly bowed. The paint surface is quite dirty and the varnish is rather thick and slightly discoloured. There are losses along the upper margin, and restored small losses in the angel's robe, in the sky by his head, and in the landscape below the trees, as well as some discoloured retouchings in the faces of the sleeping disciples. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals other small restorations, possibly of a later date, primarily in Christ's robe, in the tree, lower right, and in the disciples' robes. Offered in a plain painted wood frame in good 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."

Though the altarpiece beneath which this panel would have been situated is as yet unknown, two other panels (from the likely original five or seven sections) from the same predella have been identified, depicting other scenes from Christ's Passion: Christ washing the feet of the Apostles and The Descent of the Holy Spirit.¹ These two panels also have brushed inventory numbers on the reverse, in the same hand as that of the present work, which both read 'No. 564.' As well as sharing almost identical dimensions, the panels are alike in their punchwork, palette and conception. Weppelmann dates all three panels to the last years of Spinello's life.

1. 20.5 x 35.5 cm. and 20.5 x 35.9 cm., respectively. Both with Galleria Moretti, Florence, in 2010; see Weppelmann 2005, pp. 200-05, cat. nos 13a and 13b, reproduced in colour pp. 200-01.