Follower of The Master of the Holy Blood

With Mortimer Brandt, New York;
From whom purchased by Ruth K. Palitz, 31 October 1936;
Thence by descent in the family.

Minneapolis, Walker Art Center, 1942, cat. no. 9.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has an addition running across the top measuring approximately one inch deep. The panel is cradled and the paint layer is quite yellow with an old varnish. If the painting were to be cleaned, there is a likelihood that retouches that are not visible under ultraviolet light at present will become more apparent. Under close inspection a few spots in the face, the eyebrows and the eyelashes are evident which may have received attention. At the bottom of the sitter's blouse there also seem to be some slightly discolored restorations. However, if the frame were to be repaired, the painting could be hung as is without cleaning.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This painting is based on the upper portion of a three-quarter length figure of Saint Catherine (tempera on panel, 86 by 29 cm.) that probably formed the right wing of a triptych.  The panel depicting Saint Catherine, along with its companion panel depicting Saint Barbara, which would have formed the left wing, are both in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art and ascribed in full to the Master of the Holy Blood (inv. nos. 42.633 and 42.634).

An old photo-certificate from Max. J. Friedländer, dated 8 April 1928, ascribes the present work to the Master of Holy Blood.