Netherlandish, Antwerp, circa 1540-1550

private collection, Apeldoorn

Overall the condition of the wood is good with wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few losses, including to the kneeling figure's finger tips, the standing man's proper right hand, the edge of the brick work, his finger tips on the proper right hand, and a small section of his hat at the front. There is also a loss to the bottom of the brick work, where the wood has worn thin and there is a possible restoration visible at the back. There is a possible loss to the tops of the kneeling man's pipes. There is wear to the gilding and polychromy throughout, including flaking and craquelure. Areas of particular losses to the polychromy include the standing man's hat, the front of his garment, his proper right knee, and the kneeling man's feet. Some of the polychromy may have been refreshed, including the flesh tones, where there is some overpaint covering losses. The standing man's staff may have been reattached at the centre. There are two holes to the front of the base, and small holes to the top of the standing man's hat and to the back. There are a few chips and minor losses, notably to the edges of the terrasse.
"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 fluidly modelled mugs, drapery, and the elegant contrapposto of the standing figure are features of the final phase of retable carving in Antwerp. Contemporary works include the magnificent Prodigal son in two minds in the Rijksmuseum and the complete altarpiece of the True Cross, mounted in a case with rounded arches and Renaissance motifs, in the Church of Saint Lambert, Dinant.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Leeuwenberg. Beeldhouwkunst in het Rijksmuseum, The Hague/ Amsterdam, 1973, pp. 144-145, no. 163; M. Buyle and C. Vanthillo, Retables Flamands et Brabançons dans les monuments belges, Brussels, 2000, pp. 154-157