Lot 358: Manner of Barthel Bruyn d. a. (German, 1493-1555)

Manner of Bartholomaus "Barthel" Bruyn the Elder (German/Cologne, 1493-1555), "Portrait of a Nobleman", oil on thin wood panel mounted on cradled board, verso with "Santa Barbara Museum of Art" label, 24-1/2" x 18-3/4". Presented in a later cove-molded gilt and ebonized carved wood frame. Provenance: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Miklos Rozsa to Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Santa Barbara, California; Private collection, New Orleans, Louisiana.

In generally very good, professionally restored condition. There is a shrinkage crack with accompanying inpainting extending approximately two-thirds to the top from the bottom edge and about one-third from the left edge. Additionally two smaller shrinkage cracks are approximately 2" and 3" from the bottom edge and located about 2" and 3" (with slight separation and minor losses) from the left edge of the panel. Scattered areas of inpainting to left portion of panel, especially in the upper area. A few small scattered areas of inpainting around the eyes. Faint craquelure. Minor pinprick-sized loss to lower central edge and to lower left edge. Difficult for UV light to penetrate the varnish layer. Probably fourth quarter 19th century/first quarter 20th century.