SOUTHERN NETHERLANDISH, MALINES, CIRCA 1600 | Relief with the Ascension

together with a smaller partially gilt alabaster relief with the Washing of the Feet, Malines, circa 1600, in a gilt and ebonised wood frame, inscribed: IDH the Ascension with a letter to the reverse certifying the work was included in the exhibition of 'Sculptures anglaises et malinois d'albâtre' in 1967, signed by Gh. Dervaux; the Washing of the Feet with an extract from Dervaux's exhibition catalogue (op. cit.) explaining the monogram 'IDH'

Private collection, Belgium

Brussels, Musées royaux d'Arts et d'Histoire, Exposition de Sculpture anglaises et malinoises d'Albâtre, 1967 

Ascension: Overall the condition of the alabaster is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few well-concealed restored breaks, notably one at the top right hand side of the relief. There is a slightly open vein at the top left corner. There is brownish staining to the alabaster throughout. There is wear to the gilding. There is wear to the wood frame, including small losses and evidence of past worming. Washing of the Feet: There are restored breaks, notably one running vertically through the centre. Some filling material is visible at the top and at Christ's proper left wrist. There is wear to the gilding, and there is also wear to the paintwork of the wood frame.
"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.
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The monogram IDH on the relief with the Washing of the Feet probably stands for Jasper de Hemeler, born 1587 - his name is known from records when he entered the studio of Jean van den Bossche as an apprentice in 1608 (op. cit. p. 58). A relief with the Ascension, similar to the present relief, is illustrated in the same catalogue, fig. 17.  RELATED LITERATURE
Gh. Derveaux-Van Ussel, Exposition de Sculpture anglaises et malinoises d'Albâtre, exh. cat. Musées royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, Brussels, 1967, p. 58; fig 17.