Follower of Marinus van Reymerswaele

Possibly Art market, Paris;
Anonymous Sale, London, Christie's, 24th February 1984, lot 35, where acquired by the present owners.

Possibly M. J.Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Painting, vol. XII, Leiden/Brussels 1975, p. 107, cat. no. 169b.

The painting is much brighter and less red than the catalogue illustration. The flat support consists of several horizontal panels, cradled to the reverse. The paint surface is generally well preserved with just a few localised small areas of abrasion. There are a number of horizontal surface cracks, none of which are to the detriment of the stability of the support. There is a slightly more serious and apparently deeper crack that runs the full width of the composition, approximately 2 inches from the upper margin. UV light reveals rather superfluous retouchings around the edges of the many of the facial features, presumably where underdrawing had begun to show through, and a few scattered retouchings elsewhere. Offered in a modern ebonised frame in good condition.
"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."

An early copy after the the signed original of 1542 today in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich (cf. M.J. Friedländer, op. cit., p. 107, no. 169, reproduced plate 95).