School of Ambrosius Benson (Flemish, c. 1495-1550)
Virgin and Child with Angel and Bowl of Cherries
Unsigned, inscribed "Isenbrandt" on a label affixed to the back of the frame.
Tempera on panel, sight size 30 x 25 in. (76.2 x 63.5 cm), framed (in liners).
Condition: Three or four major periods of restoration from the 19th century or earlier, major figures are fairly intact, not examined out of frame.
N.B. High resolution images of this painting were reviewed by Suzanne Laemers, Ph.D., Curator Early Netherlandish Painting, RKD - Nederlands Instituut voor Kunstgeschiedenis, who made the association with the school of Ambrosius Benson based on similar compositions, including one Madonna and Child with Angel which was sold at Christie's London in 2002 (Christie's London, Important Old Master Pictures, Wednesday, July 10, 2002, Lot 15). RKD records also revealed a second work, attributed to Meester van het Heilig Bloed (Master of the Holy Blood), active c. 1500-1520, of a Madonna and Child with Angel with very similar poses and gestures. The whereabouts of that painting is unknown, but it had been referenced by Max Friedländer in Early Netherlandish Paintings. Although the attribution to Adriaen Isenbrandt (Flemish, 1490-1551), as suggested on the handwritten label on the painting at hand, is not supported by current scholarship, it does place the painting in Flanders at the appropriate period.
Estimate $20,000-30,000
The panel was removed from its frame during preview. The panel is cradled and measures 30 7/8 x 25 3/4 in. (78.4 x 65.4 cm). The dimensions of the frame are 40 1/2 x 34 1/2 x 4 in. (102.9 x 87.6 x 10.2 cm).
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.