CIRCLE OF JAN MOSTAERT | The Temptation of Christ

With Galerie J.H. Borghouts, Utrecht;
H.B.N. Ledeboer (1892-1979), Enschede, by 1953 (both the above as by Jan Mostaert);
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 13 October 2009, lot 17 (as attributed to Jan Mostaert, sold for € 25,000).

Almelo, Kunstkring de Waag, Oude kunst uit Twents particulier bezit, 1953, pp. 21-22, cat. no. 30, reproduced fig. 1a (as by Jan Mostaert and erroneously mentioning the Van Valkenburg-collection in its provenance).

M.J. Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Painting, Leyden 1973, vol. X, p. 69, reproduced pl. 10, n° 9 (as by Jan Mostaert and erroneously mentioning the Van Valkenburg-collection).

The actual painting looks more tonal and shows more contrast than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The nice oak panel consists of two planks joined horizontally; minor beveling is visible on its reverse. Some minor paint losses can be observed along the left edge, due to framing. The painted surface seems to be in a satisfactory condition with thinness throughout. Some old retouchings can be seen in the sky area and in the darker (brown) parts of the composition. The painted surface is covered with a dense fine craquelure pattern consistant with its age. Under UV light The varnish layer fluoresces in some parts, with the retouchings mentioned above, showing up Offered with an oak brown frame. Le tableau est en réalité plus contrasté que sur l’illustration au catalogue. Le panneau est constitué de deux planches assemblées horizontalement, avec un léger biseau au revers. Quelques petits manques de peinture sont visibles le long des bords, à cause du cadre. La couche picturale semble être en état satisfaisant, avec quelques usures éparses. On remarque d’anciennes restaurations dans le ciel et dans les parties sombres. Le tableau se présente sous un réseau de craquelures fines et denses. A la lampe UV Le vernis est opaque dans certaines parties, laissant apparaître les restaurations mentionnées ci-dessus. Dans un cadre en chêne brun.
"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."

Although listed as attributed to Jan Mostaert (c.1475-1552/3) in the RKD, Dr. Suzanne Laemers, Curator of the Early Netherlandish Paintings at the RKD, does not accept the attribution of the present work to the artist, judging from photographs.

A copy of the present work was in the Dr. C.T. van Valkenburg-collection, sold Geneva, Galerie Moos, 23 May 1936, lot 106 (as by Gillis Mostaert).