FRENCH SCHOOL, POSSIBLY AMIENS, CIRCA 1480 | Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, with Simon Peter cutting off the ear of Malchus beyond

The panel is cradled, flat and stable, and the painting is in good condition. The paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish is discoloured. The gilding in the sky has been added later. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals fine retouching in the background, in parts of the hill around Christ, in Christ’s hair, in the tips of the angel’s wings, in the body of the tonsured disciple and in the leg and book of the disciple, lower right.
"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."

In a written communication of 7 April 1961 to the present owner, Prof. Dr. Alfred Stange attributed this painting to the School of Amiens, comparing it to a Noli me tangere and The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, which were sold at Lempertz, Cologne in 1952, lot 873a.