Lot 126
  • 126

GILLIS MOSTAERT | A Triptych:Central Panel: The CrucifixionLeft wing: Saint AndrewRight wing: A kneeling male donor of the Escalera family

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • Circle of Gillis Mostaert the Elder
  • A Triptych:Central Panel: The CrucifixionLeft wing: Saint AndrewRight wing: A kneeling male donor of the Escalera family
  • signed on the central panel at the lower left, on the shield: MOSTART;the right hand wing with the coat of arm of the Escalera family and bearing inscription lower left: 1595 BRUSSELLA
  • oil on panel
  • central panel: 39.2 x 27 cm.; 15 1/2  x 10 5/8  in. wings: 44 x 14.2 cm.; 17 3/8  x 5 5/8  in.

Condition

The panels are uncradled, flat and stable. The paint surfaces are relatively clean and the varnishes slightly streaky. Left panel: the network of craquelure has become rather pronounced in the figure's blue shawl across his shoulder centre right. The dark ground has become more visible through the paint in the blue shawl across his legs lower centre. Inspection underneath ultraviolet light reveals small, scattered retouchings throughout, most notably in the blue shawl and along the lower margin. Central panel: the network of craquelure has become slightly more pronounced in the foreground centre and centre right. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals the streaky varnish across the upper half of the composition, as well as small spot retouchings scattered throughout, most notably along the margins, and above Christ's head. Right panel: there are two vertical, shallow surface cracks starting in the lower margin left of centre, one measuring approx 3 cm. and the other approx 20 cm. There are some visible retouchings, for example to an area in the sky above the figure's head, and along the upper right margin. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms these, as well as other small scattered retouchings In overall 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."

Catalogue Note

The signed central panel by Mostaert, whilst painted in the Netherlands, was likely always destined for the export market. On its arrival in Spain, the wings featuring the donor, and most probably his patron saint, would have been made and assembled to flank Mostaert's central panel in the form of this small portable triptych.   A version of the present central panel (without the shaped top) was sold as one of a pair: its pendant representing The Resurrection.1 It is noted in the sale catalogue that one of the pair was signed and dated 1586.

1 Sold, London, Christie's, 13 July 1979, lot 57.