Follower of Giovanni Bellini

Scheufelen collection, Stockholm.

F. Heinemann, Giovanni Bellini e I Belliniani, Venice 1959, pp. 201–02, no. S. 816, reproduced p. 354, fig. 394.

The panel is made up of two horizontal planks, the join runs 15 inches from the upper margin. The join is stable and only just visible at the right margin where a 4 inch thin crack in the paint surface is visible. There are two vertical supportive batons attached to the reverse of the panel, the purpose of which was probably to reverse old warping that has resulted in two bands of horizontal cracking. Each band is c. 7 inches deep, one runs through the head of the virgin, the other through the top head of the donor and the Christ Child's feet. This old cracking has resulted in some small paint losses and the paint surface along these bands is fragile and will need some consolidating. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals two campaigns of restoration, the first consists of only scattered very old retouchings throughout, the second campaign is more recent and focused mainly on minimalizing the effect of the aforementioned two bands of old cracking. This lot is offered in an Italian gilt wood frame with a wide carved profile, in fair condition.
"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."

Heinemann attributed this work to a follower of Bellini that he called the Master of the Düsseldorf Lateral Panels, a hand he had identified from the wings of a triptych now in the Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf (inv. no. 1110).¹

1. Madonna and child flanked by saints and donor. The wings: a pair, both oil and tempera on oak panel, each: 129.5 x 53.5 cm. See A. Tempestini, Giovanni Bellini: Catalogo completo dei dipinti, p. 224, cat. no. 79, reproduced p. 225.