SOUTHERN NETHERLANDISH, BRABANT, CIRCA 1530ALTARPIECE WITH SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF SAINT LAMBERT |

oak the caisse crowned by a moulded pediment divided into seven compartments, the upper register surmounted by pierced Gothic arches and choux frisés friezes, each span flanked by vertical appliques in the form of candelabra with figures of the Virgin, Saint John and two bishops, the lower registers of the two lateral spans carved with scrollwork and the profile of a woman in a medallion

The seven scenes of this altarpiece remain in their original case, with a few restorations and alterations visible in some places (notably to the top). The case appears to have been slightly chopped on both sides, probably no more than approximately 5 cm (in comparison with the lithograph made after the altarpiece in the mid-19th century). There are a few chips and small losses along the edges of the frame and the base of the case. The outer edges of both pilasters, to the far right and left, are fairly damaged with fire marks to the left side of the case and to the frame above. The top of the frame has been broken in three pieces, reattached with joints and rusted screws visible, and there is a 10 cm loss to the right. There are a few losses to the mouldings in some places. The base of the frame is made of three planks of wood with a gap visible between each one and reinforced with two rusted cast iron pieces. Small chips and losses are visible in several places, to the high points and on the figures, consistent with age and handling. The original polychromy and gilding have been totally removed with no remnants visible at all. The vertical supports to the arched framework of the lowest central compartment also appear to have been replaced. The iron hook hinges on the outer edge of both sides of the altarpiece case show that the altarpiece originally had shutters, though they had evidently gone missing before 1847. There are a few losses to the pierced choux frisés friezes: - along the upper edge of the frame of the case; - along the upper edge of the top right scene and the frieze is totally missing along lower edge which is slightly chopped; - along the upper edge of the top left scene and the frieze is totally missing along the lower edge; - along the lower edge of the top centre scene and the frieze is totally missing along the upper edge, with a few losses on the panelling above. Three out of the seven scenes have been altered with missing elements and later additions: - in the lower right scene: the figure to the front right may be an old replacement (consistent with the date and origin of the altarpiece) and the kneeling figure to the front left (young Saint Lambert) is partly missing, together with a standing boy beside him according to the lithograph; - in the lower left scene: the missing element to the front right has been replaced by a later the standing figure, probably the Christ from the lost predella according to the lithograph; - in the upper right scene: the missing element to the front left has been replaced by a later figure of Saint Peter, probably the figure on the far right of the lost predella according to the lithograph. Antwerp marks were designed to be visible, and there are none on this altarpiece. As the carved elements haven't been removed from their original frame, it has not been possible to check for the presence of Brussels marks, which were usually concealed. Considering this altarpiece has been dismantled from its original initial setup (probably by the French Revolutionary troops in the mid-1790s) and saved from the fire which has partially destroyed the Martinvast chateau, on 14 January 1944, it is indeed in overall fairly good condition, in its original case and with only three losses to the scenes.
"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."