South German School, second half of the 16th century

The panel is uncradled, the paint surface is secure and the varnish is only slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet reveals two sensitive and minor campaigns of restoration. The older campaign is confined mainly to the strengthening of the darker tones in the background and to other minor localised restorations. The more recent campaign consists of sensitively executed scattered, minor retouchings throughout. In fair overall condition. Offered in a simple black and gold painted 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.
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."

A copy of the picture now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (inv. no. 5627), with the addition of a parapet and with simpler fabric in the clothing.¹ Two further copies are known: the first wrongly identifies the sitter as Saint Wenceslaus. It was previously part of the portrait collection of the Erzherzog Ferdinand II of Tyrol, and is now in the Münzkabinett, Vienna. The second copy belongs to the Society of Antiquaries, London. It identifies the sitter as Charlemagne. Saint Maurice was leader of a Roman legion, and later became patron saint to the Holy Roman Emperors, which explains the popularity of this image in middle-Europe. 1. Oil on oak panel, 36.8 x 26.5 cm. See W. Seipel, Die Gemäldegalerie des Kunsthistorisches Museums in Wien: Verzeichnis der Gemälde, Vienna1991, p. 118, reproduced plate 560.