SOUTH NETHERLANDISH SCHOOL, 16TH CENTURY | The Virgin and Child seated in a rose garden

Anonymous sale, Paris, Tajan, 25 June 1998, lot 215 (as Attributed to the Master of the Embroidered Foliage) for 500,000 Francs;
Where acquired by the present owner.

The panel is uncradled, very slightly bowed and stable. The paint surface is clean and the varnish is very slightly discoloured. The underdrawing remains visible in the Christ Child, and in the Virgin's face and cloak. There are old discoloured retouchings visible in their flesh tones, including to a faint horizontal surface scratch approx 6cm long. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms these and reveals further retouching throughout the red robe on her legs, further fine lines scattered along the margins, and more concentrated areas in the bush to the right of the figures, and in the bench on which they sit. All of these are sensitively executed and the painting appears ready to hang. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with minor losses.
"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."

The poses of the Virgin and Christ Child are directly inspired by Raphael's Madonna di Foligno of 1511–12, in the Vatican Museum, Rome.¹ 1 See J. Meyer zur Capellen, Raphael, A Critical Catalogue of his Paintings, vol. II, Ergolding 2003, pp. 98–106, cat. no. 52, reproduced fig. 52.