Circle of Pieter Coecke van Aelst the Elder

The painting is somewhat softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of 2 vertical planks and is lightly bevelled to the reverse. Two horizontal strips of wood are attached to the reverse, as well as some battons, to reinforce the plank. The joint is visible to the front. There's a small damage of the panel to the upper left, and a small thin vertical split to the upper right with some minor flaking along the split. The paint layer is generally sound, with a lot of detail still nicely intact. The paint surface is under a slighly dirty varnish. There's a tiny retouched loss in the cup lower left and a small retouching in Mary's face. Inspection under UV light reveals some recent retouches along the join, and some older minor retouches and strengthenings in the figures. Offered in a plain gilt wood frame with a grey painted inner fillet 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."