PIETER COECKE VAN AELST THE ELDER AND WORKSHOP | TRIPTYCH WITH THE ADORATION OF THE MAGI

Property from an American Private Collection
PIETER COECKE VAN AELST THE ELDER AND WORKSHOP
Aelst 1502 - 1550 Brussels
TRIPTYCH WITH THE ADORATION OF THE MAGI

oil on panel
central panel: 33 by 22 in.; 83.8 by 55.9 cm.
side panels, each: 33 by 9 in.; 83.8 by 22.9 cm.

Condition Report:
The following condition report has been provided by Karen Thomas of Thomas Art Conservation LLC., 336 West 37th Street, Suite 830, New York, NY 10018, 212-564-4024, info@thomasartconservation.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.

All three elements of this triptych are in excellent condition overall with only very minimal, beautifully-executed retouching. The vibrantly colored paint layers, replete with minute painted details, are well-preserved with no major losses. One tiny flake loss is visible near the bottom edge of the central panel, right of center. Retouching takes the form of narrow stripes running along the panel joins, with a few losses adjacent the center join of the central panel. Due to normal, age-related increased transparency of the paint, underdrawing, pentimenti, and strong wood grain can be seen through the paint in some areas. Where this translucence might prove visually distracting or confusing, such as in the infant's body and in the kneeling king's face and white sleeve, it has been minimized with delicate retouching. The vertically grained wood panel supports are in sound condition overall. The join in the left wing is visible in the paint as a hairline crack but appears stable. There are indications of old repairs on the backs of the panels, and all the panels appear sound. This triptych may be displayed in its current state, with the expectation that the present restoration should last well into the future. A light revival of the varnish would not go amiss, particularly in the left wing, but is not essential.

"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Provenance:
With Johnny van Haeften, London;

From whom acquired 19 May 2005.