Attributed to the Penicaud Workshop, after a design by Albrecht Dürer French, Limoges, Mid 16th Century

in later ebonized wood and gilt copper mounted frame.

Sotheby's London, March 29, 1979, lot 172

Some cracks throughout and surface abrasions. Restoration to chip on center of left side. Small losses around edges. Some cracks to enamel surface through building on left where tree branch is now painted, two through shoulders of Anna, and through head area of far left kneeling figure. Minor chipping and surface abrasions 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.

RELATED LITERATURE
Rainer Schoch, Matthias Mende, Anna Scherbaum, et al., Albrecht Dürer, das druckgraphische Werk, vol. II, Munich, 2001, no. 169

A similar plaque of the same design is in the Musée du Louvre, inv. no. R 299, previously called Couly II Nouailher.

Dürer completed a 16-scene woodcut series on the Life of the Virgin, of which this scene is the only one bearing the artist's initials and date of completion, 1504.

Dürer's woodcuts, particularly those from his Little Passion series, and the copies of this series made by Marcantonio Raimondi, were hugely influential on 16th century enamel painters. Dürer's Little Passion was published in 1511, the same year as his series of the Life of the Virgin.