Follower of Rogier van Der Weyden

Anonymous sale, Paris, Artcurial, 15 September 2004, where purchased by the present owner.

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: The panel is cradled. The paint surface has several areas of lifting paint and a few associated paint losses. There are retouchings visible in natural light. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows a very opaque and discoloured varnish layer with a few large retouchings on Christ's body and in the sky. There are other retouchings throughout the composition. Overall the painting is in relatively good condition. The work is framed.
"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."

This work is derived from Rogier van der Weyden's lost painting The Descent from the Cross of which many versions are known.¹

1. See M. J. Friedländer, Early Netherlandish Painting, Leyden 1967, vol. II, p. 79, reproduced plate 112.