GERMAN SCHOOL, EARLY 16TH CENTURY | THE MADONNA AND CHILD

GERMAN SCHOOL, EARLY 16TH CENTURY
THE MADONNA AND CHILD

oil on panel, gold ground, with a shaped top
16½ by 11⅜ in.; 41.9 by 28.9 cm.

Condition Report:
The panel is stable, uncradled, and has a very faint convex bow. It has a shaped top, and there are some small nicks to the lower corners of the panel, which are not visible when the painting is framed. The image reads strongly and clearly beneath the varnish. There is a prominent pattern of craquelure scattered throughout, most noticeable in the figures and their costumes. There are a few thin cracks to the surface near the upper edge. Inspection under UV reveals a few scattered spots and strokes here and there in the figure's and in the gilt background, some of which are visible to the naked eye, and most of which to attend to craquelure. There is a 1 cm spot in the center of Christ's body, a similarly sized spot in the fabric over the right knee of the Virgin, and a few scattered spots in Christ's face and in his upraised arm. There are some fine strokes near the center of the lower edge. The painting can certainly hang in its present condition. Offered in a carved gilt and darkwood frame with a custom gilt inset.

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.