Attributed to Marten van Cleve I

The catalogue illustration is representative. The panel consists of two planks, with a prominent old join held by battens affixed to the reverse. The lower panel has developed a slight convex bow.There are old surface cracks in the upper left hand corner and on the left hand lower margin. The paint surface is in reasonable condition overall, with some signs of wear to the buildings and middle distance and is now covered with a thick layer of old varnish. Beneath this ultra violet light reveals repairs to the join and cracks noted above, and in addition substantial restoration to the sky, the roofs of the buildings and the cross and to the lower foreground. The figures are more thickly painted and much better preserved. This lot is offered with a later giltwood 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."

Another, presumably primary, version of this compositon is in the National Museum in Wroclaw (inv. no. 2197; see B. Steinborn, Catalogue of the collection of Netherlandish painting, Wroclaw 2006, pp. 68-71, 298-299, no. 17).