Circle of Erasmus de Bie

Amsterdam Christie's, November 3 2004, lot 11

Panel is uncradled with wood battens affixed to the reverse. panel is bevelled on all four sides. there are two horizontal joins which run across center of the composition and are slightly visible to naked eye from front. surface is under a dirty and uneven old varnish. there are scattered thinnesses throughout the composition, most noticeable in the darks and in the greens of foliage under the windows. despite these thinnesses, the composition still reads well overall. ultraviolet light reveals scattered retouching and reworking in sky; large areas of the architecture have been retouched; other scattered retouches can be seen throughout figures and foreground. In black wood frame with gilt inner rim and decoration; nicks and scratches to frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Ommergang, "omme" being "around" and "gang" a "walk",  is a commemorative procession that takes place in Belgian cities to this day.  We see here an effigy of the giant, Antigoon who, according to legend, lived on the banks of the Scheldt and cut off the hands of merchants who refused to pay tithes upon entering the city.  Once overthrown the giant's own hands were cut off and thus the two severed hands, processed here on a staff ahead of him, became the symbol of Antwerp.