ANTWERP SCHOOL, 16TH CENTURY | An allegory of Vice and Virtue

The actual painting is warmer in tone and shows more contrast than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The painting is on a panel which is cradled (old cradling). The panel seems to consist of two planks joint horizontally, the join seemingly runs at ca. 6 cm from the lower edge. The painted surface seems to be in a good condition, with most of its colours nicely preserved. Some very minor thinness can be observed in the area in the centre of the picture between the silver birches and some in the upper right area in the sky. Minor paint losses can be seen in the lower right corner. The painting is covered with a fine craquelure pattern. Some traces of nice underdrawing can be seen, e.g. in the monster lying on his back lower centre. Some very small discoloured retouchings are visible throughout. Under UV light The varnish layer fluoresces for the larger part, showing some old retouching in the body of the female figure, in the landscape, in the sky and along the join. Offered with an old style painted wooden frame. Le tableau présente en réalité des couleurs plus chaudes et il est plus contrasté que sur l’illustration au catalogue. Le tableau est sur un panneau parqueté (parquetage ancien) constitué de deux planches jointes horizontalement ; la jonction est visible à environ 6 cm du bord inférieur. La couche picturale semble en bon état, la plupart des couleurs sont bien préservées. On observe quelques légères usures au centre, entre les bouleaux, ainsi que dans le ciel en haut à droite. De légers manques de matière sont visibles à l’angle inférieur droit. Le tableau présente un fin réseau de craquelures. On remarque quelques traces de dessin sous-jacent, notamment sur le monstre couché en bas au centre. Quelques petits repeints désaccordés épars sont visibles. A la lampe UV Le vernis est principalement opaque, laissant apparaître quelques anciennes restaurations dans le corps de la femme, dans le paysage, dans le ciel et le long des jonctions. Dans un cadre de style en bois peint.
"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 nude reclining lady, stands as a symbol for Virtue, is being harassed by animals, personification of Vice.