Antwerp School, late 17th century

Commander J.W. Maitland MP, Harrington Hall, Lincolnshire, 1951, thence by descent;
Anonymous sale, South Kensington, Christie's, 13 July 2001, part of lot 20, where acquired by the present owner.

The support consists of a single thin copper panel with some old knocks, attached to a wooden stretcher on the reverse. The paint surface is secure and under a glossy varnish. There is an old retouched damage approx 2 by 2 cm upper left. Inspection under UV light is impeded by the varnish but scattered retouchings do fluoresce, most notably in the dark areas. Offered in an ornate gilt woof frame fairly abraded with some losses.
"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 composition is loosely derived from Rubens's Annunciation in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna (see M. Jaffé, Rubens. Catalogo Completo, Milan 1989, p. 168, no. 104.).