Lot 32: LUCAS GASSEL | The Temptations of Christ

oil on oak panel

41.6 by 54 cm.; 16 1/4  by 21 1/4  in.

oil on oak panel

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Structural Condition The artist's panel is uncradled with one horizontal join approximately 14 cm above the lower horizontal edge. The panel join is visible in raking light but is secure and stable. The panel is very slightly bowed on the upper edge. Paint Surface The paint surface has a rather uneven varnish layer and revarnishing would be beneficial to ensure a more even surface coating. Inspection under ultra-violet light shows extensive retouchings in the sky which cover a significant proportion of the clouds. These retouchings appear quite excessive and I am sure could be reduced with more careful inpainting. There is also a horizontal line of retouching along the panel join mentioned above. It is difficult to assess the extent of retouching in the landscape and the details of the foreground due to the opaque varnish layers but the retouchings in these areas would appear considerably less extensive than in the sky. There may be other retouchings beneath old opaque varnish layers which are not identifiable under ultra-violet light. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in reasonably good and stable condition, although the extensive retouchings in the sky should be noted.
"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."

Alexis, Prince Orloff, Paris;
His deceased sale, Paris, Galerie Georges Petit, 29–30 April 1920, lot 45 (as attributed to Joachim Patinir), for 4,000 Francs to Spears, England;
Baron Scheyven;
Galerie De Jonckheere, Brussels and Paris, 1990;
Anonymous sale, Paris, Jean-Claude Renard, 20 February 2008 (as Herri met de Bles);
Where acquired by the present owner.