Manner of The Master of the Parrot (Flemish, 16th Century) Lady with Chalice in an Elegant Interior

Description:

Manner of The Master of the Parrot (Flemish, 16th Century)

Lady with Chalice in an Elegant Interior
Unsigned.
Oil on panel, 21 1/2 x 15 5/8 in. (54.7 x 39.7 cm),framed (under glass).
Condition: Vertical cracks to panel with areas of paint lifting, retouch, surface imperfections, multiple varnish layers, panel mounted within a cradled panel and backed with layer of cork.


Estimate $2,500-3,500

The work is probably either late 16th or early 17th century.

Original panel has been framed along the outside with 1/4 inch wood, probably oak, and cradled on the reverse. The exposed areas of the original support have been lined with a thin layer of cork that has a waxy surface. There are about four vertical cracks that run the full height of the face of the panel, two located about 2-1/2 inches from each of the outside edges and two that run down the middle of the panel, about 1-1/2 inches apart. There are other small cracks emanating from the bottom. Approximate measurements suggest that the original support is about 0.5-0.7 cm thick.

There have probably been restorations/retouch at several different periods. The more recent, that is clearly visible under black light, includes retouch along the more prominent center crack, to the figure's proper left cheek, chin line, and neck, and to the garland above the figure's head. There appears to be some scattered retouch to strengthen the details in the background landscape, including the castle and the curly grasses. Overall there appears to be dirty varnish combined with some older retouch/repair, particularly to the area of the hands. It is very difficult to read these areas under black light.

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