FOLLOWER OF SIR ANTHONY VAN DYCK | The Adoration of the Shepherds

oil on canvas, 'en brunaille' This is most probably a later copy after an as yet unidentified work by Sir Anthony van Dyck. During the course of his career Van Dyck painted various compositions in monochrome – usually in grey or brown but sometimes in other colours. Although they are often classed together under the rubric of oil sketches, his use of monochrome oils is in itself a very complex process, illustrative of his remarkable versatility. In some cases he made summary sketches as preparatory designs for larger compositions; in others, he made meticulous copies, or 'ricordi', of finished paintings. For the 'Iconography', a series of more than 100 portrait engravings after famous people, Van Dyck used his own black chalk drawings and oil sketches as well as oil sketches by his assistants as models for the finished prints. 

Anonymous sale, Milan, Christie's, 30 May 2012, lot 12 (as School of van Dyck);
Where acquired by the present owner.

All paintings available to view at the Sotheby’s Greenford Park warehouse, 5 - 7 and 10 – 13 September (10 - 4pm), by appointment. The canvas has a firm relining, the paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is relatively clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouchings along the left and right margins, as well as scattered along the lower margin and in the bull's head, lower centre.
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