BARTHOLOMÄUS BRUYN THE YOUNGER | A DIPTYCH: PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN, AGED 44, BEHIND A WOODEN LEDGE, WEARING A FUR-TRIMMED BLACK COAT, HOLDING HIS GLOVES AND A LETTER; AND PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN, AGED 42, BEHIND A WOODEN LEDGE, IN FUR-TRIMMED BLACK DRESS...

BARTHOLOMÄUS BRUYN THE YOUNGER
Cologne circa 1530 - 1607/10
A DIPTYCH: PORTRAIT OF A GENTLEMAN, AGED 44, BEHIND A WOODEN LEDGE, WEARING A FUR-TRIMMED BLACK COAT, HOLDING HIS GLOVES AND A LETTER; AND PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN, AGED 42, BEHIND A WOODEN LEDGE, IN FUR-TRIMMED BLACK DRESS WITH PEARL-STUDDED BELT, HOLDING A BOOK

inscribed above the man, upper center: ANNO 1535. AETATIS. 44
inscribed above the woman, upper center: ANNO 1535. AETATIS. 42
oil on panel, shaped tops, in an engaged diptych frame
each panel: 22¼ by 16 in.; 56.5 by 40.6 cm.
(2)

Condition Report:
The panels are flat and stable and each consist of a single plank; the left panel has a supporting beam on the reverse to repair an old crack vertically down the center. Portrait images read well through an old varnish with details of the clothing retained. The left panel has some slight frame abrasion on all edges and an old repaired crack running vertically through the center that is not distracting. The right panel has slight frame abrasion on all edges and one pinpoint of loss above the woman's head. Under UV inspection, both panels are difficult to read under a thick, milky varnish. Paintings may benefit from cleaning; we recommend consulting a restorer for advice on these 16th century panels. Offered in an engaged diptych giltwood 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. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Provenance:
Carl Solomonsen;

His sale, Copenhagen, Winkel & Magnussen, 1944, lot 16;

Offered for sale Copenhagen, Bruun Rasmussen, International Auktion 688, 4 December 2000, lot 1465, as Attributed to Bartholomäus Bruyn the Elder (where unsold);

Sold New York, Christie's, 3 October 2001, lot 29, as Bartholomäus Bruyn the Elder.