Studio of Albrecht Bouts

Private collection, Switzerland, since at least 1966;
By descent to the present owner.

The panel is uncradled. There is an old vertical split running all the way down, situated 7 cm. from the right hand edge. This split has been repaired on the recto. The paint surface is in overall good condition. Under drawing is visible beneath the flesh tones. There is some slight wear in parts of the hair. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows repair to the upper and lower right hand corners, to the aforementioned split. There are small scattered retouchings throughout the hair and the flesh tones, and slightly larger spots of repaint along the left hand side of Christ's face. Some of the drops of blood have been restrengthened or are recent additions altogether, it is not possible to tell. This lot is offered without a 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. 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."

The infrared image (see fig. 1) shows that the painter originally intended to depict Christ with hands clasped, after the lost prototype by Dirk Bouts known now from copies by Albrecht's workshop.¹ But the hands were never painted in. The panel's shaped top is unusual amongst those many copies and was probably changed at a later stage to fit in a frame.² We are grateful to Dr. Valentine Henderiks who has inspected this picture first-hand and confirmed the attribution.
1. See V. Henderiks, Albrecht Bouts (1451/55–1549) (Contributions à l'étude des Primitifs flamands, 10), Bruxelles, 2009, pp. 386–89, cat. nos 121–37, under 'Versions after the Christ crowned with thorns after the prototype in Dijon'.
2. Right wing of a diptych, oil on oak panel, 36.8 x 27.8 cm. See L. Campbell, National Gallery Catalogue: The Fifteenth Century Netherlandish Schools, London 1998, pp. 63–66, reproduced p. 65.