German School, circa 1540

The panel support consist of a single uncut and uncradled oak panel, with a slight bow. The painting is now a little dirty and the varnish layer a little yellowed. The paint surface is in beautiful fresh condition for a panel of this date. There is some very slight flaking or lifting upper left. The flesh tones are very well preserved: the only old restoration detectable under ultra violet is to some minor spot retouchings to the sitter's face. Further minor repairs are evident to scattered old small losses, notably in the upper left corner and to several parts of the black almuce, including an old 50mm loss on the shoulder. This lot is offered in a later parcel gilt and painted wood 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."

The sitter is identifiable as an Augustinian monk by his habit which is comparable with those worn by the monks in the Master of the Spes Nostra’s Allegory on the Vanity of Life in the Rijksmuseum (see M. J. Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Paintings, vol. X, Leyden 1973, p. 76, no. 66 I, reproduced plate 52). For a proposed dating of the panel see note to previous lot.