Follower of Albrecht Bouts, Late 16th Century

Collection Rafaelle, Nice;
Comtesse de la Beraudiere;
By whom sold, New York, American Art Association, 11-12 December 1930, lot 296 (as Dierck Bouts);
There acquired by Mr. and Mrs. William R. Timken;
By whom given to the San Diego Museum of Art in 1930;
By whom sold ("Property of the San Diego Museum of Art"), New York, Sotheby's, 11 April 1991, lot 40 (as Manner of Aelbert Bouts);
There acquired by the present collector. 

J.G. Andrews, A Catalogue of European Paintings, Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego, San Diego 1947, p. 102, reproduced (as Unknown Flemish Painter, early 15th Century);
Fine Arts Gallery of San Diego, Catalogue, San Diego 1960, p. 35, reproduced ((as Unknown Flemish Painter, early 15th Century). 

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work has been restored and should be hung in its current state. The panel is slightly curved from top to bottom, but the paint layer is stable and healthy throughout. The panel also seems to be in healthy condition. The cradle on the reverse has been altered, and there are only horizontal wooden supports with thin pieces of balsa wood in between. There is an old join in the panel running vertically down the left side of the central column which has received retouching. There is also an original join running horizontally through the brows of both faces, and another running beneath their hands. Retouches are clearly visible under ultraviolet light and have been carefully applied throughout the work to eliminate small cracks and losses, particularly around the edges.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."