Lot 32

The work is framed behind glass and has not been examined out of the frame in preparing this report; the reverse of the panel is presently sealed within a backing board but has been previously sighted and photographed.

The panel is slightly bowed with age, the rebate of the frame (the underside of the sight edge) having been shaped to accommodate this.

The work presents very well at normal viewing under natural light, with the paint appearing well preserved, including the many fine details in the work, all beneath a slightly glossy later varnish. Under raking light, some slight variations in the paint layer are visible, including a very fine, closed crack extending vertically from the centre line of the figure of the Virgin towards the top of the panel.

Inspection under UV light indicates an area of probable old repainting in the area above the Virgin's nimbus, extending into the middle level of the sky above, and another smaller area of repainting immediately to the left of the head of the male figure above Christ's head, possibly also with retouching to the same figure's face. Neither of these areas of repainting is apparent at normal viewing. There might be other more slight points of old retouching but this is not clear.

The work is housed in a resized and recently refinished seventeenth or eighteenth century ebonised and gilt moulding frame that remains in good condition.



The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.