SOUTHERN NETHERLANDISH, PROBABLY ANTWERP, CIRCA 1500 | Relief with Christ carrying the cross

With Jan Dirven, Antwerp;
private collection, the Netherlands

Overall the condition of the wood is good, with wear and some dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is minor stable splitting to the wood throughout, consistent with the material. There are several surface losses, in particular to Christ's drapery and around the bottom of the relief; these may be the result of environmental conditions and past worming. There are some further chips and small losses, including to the hat of the figure on the right, and possibly to the background of the relief behind the cross. There is a modern metal loop at the back.
"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."

A scene of Christ Carrying the Cross was usually included in Antwerp Passion Retables of the 15th and early 16th century. See, for instance, the retable in Saint Matthew's church in Hulshout, where Christ's drapery falls in similar vertical folds from his belt as in the present lot (H. Nieuwdorp, Antwerpse retabels, 15de-16de eeuw, Antwerp, 1993, cat. no. 2).