Workshop of Pieter Coecke van Aelst the Elder

European Private Collection

The panels are all uncradled, and are now dirty and their varnish very discoloured. There are old repaired splits to the lower edge of the left hand panel (c.20 cm.), to the upper right edge of the central panel (c.20 cm.) and to the lower right hand corner of the right hand panel (c.8 cm.). The original panel join in the centre of the main panel is visible but has not opened. The paint surface throughout is in excellent condition, with most detail and original brushwork intact. Apart form the repairs to the splits restoration is confined to local retouchings only. Offered in a later gilt wood frame, some parts repainted gold.
"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."

Another version of this triptych is in Kassel, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Museum Schloss Wilhelmshöhe.¹ The two triptychs are very similar in size and design, with some minor differences in the landscape behind Saint Catherine and similarly in the landscape behind the Holy Family itself, where the figures are varied and distant rocky outcrops introduced. As Marlier observes, the motif of the Holy Family sitting beneath a tree may have been inspired by an engraving by Lucas van Leyden.

1. G. Marlier, Pierre Coeck d'Alost, Brussels 1966, pp. 228–29, reproduced fig. 164.