Lot 10: LUCAS CRANACH THE YOUNGER | The ill-matched lovers

oil on panel

19 x 14 cm

oil on panel

The following condition report is provided by Alex France who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Structural Condition The artist's panel which has been cradled on the reverse is providing a stable structural support. There is a very tiny indentation to the panel within the background above the female figure's head. Paint Surface The paint surface has a relatively even but cloudy varnish layer. There is an overall pattern of very fine craquelure which appears entirely stable. There are two small accretions within the lower part of the female figure's dress towards the lower right corner. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows large retouchings within the lower left and lower right corners and along the lower edge, a few retouchings within the female figure's forehead which are clearly visible in natural light and further small retouchings within the figures' flesh tones and clothing. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in reasonably good and stable condition having undergone fairly extensive restoration in the lower part of the composition.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

M. J. Friedländer and J. Rosenberg, The Paintings of Lucas Cranach, London 1978, p. 126, no. 286 (as Lucas Cranach the Elder).

Kenneth Fitzgerald, 12th Baron Kinnaird (1880–1972), Rossie Priory, Perth;
Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Gentleman'), London, Sotheby's, 30 November 1966, lot 83, to Seymour R. Thaler, for £1,600 (as Lucas Cranach the Elder);
Seymour R. Thaler, New York;
Thence by family descent;
Anonymous sale ('Property of a Private Collector'), New York, Sotheby's, 28 January 2010, lot 252 (as Lucas Cranach the Younger).