Lot 405: PERE LEMBRÍ | Saint Dominic; A female martyr saint

a pair, both tempera on panel, gold ground, arched tops

each: 66.1 by 10 cm.; 26 by 4 in.

a pair, both tempera on panel, gold ground, arched tops

Each is made up of two panels: a long single panel and a smaller addition at the lower edge. The wood is stable. Previously there seems to have been protective gesso-like layer onthe verso, it has since removed, btu as a result the verso is slightly rough in texture. Both panels have identical engaged frames carved into the wood, with an attractive Gothic arch top. There is delicate punchwork around the inside edge of the carved frame. The paint surface has some small cracks in the gold and in the female saint the red ground is visible. There is some worn paint at the lower part of her skirt, thus the pattern has become difficult to distinguish. However the colours in general are still bold and highly attractive, especially the red of her skirt, the grey blue of his cassock, and the red of his book. Inspection under Ultraviolet light reveals: in the Saint Dominic four tiny spots of overpainting in his cassock, and a larger repaired patch at the lower part of his robe, measuring 2x2 cm. There is old infilling of craquelure in the upper part of his body and face. In the female saint, UV light shows repair upper right of panel, and inside the apex of the arched frame, these have slightly dicoloured and are visible to the naked eye. Repainting in in small areas on her forehead, nose, neck and hair, and in two small areas at the lower part of her skirt. Repairs to chips along the frame. On both panels, there is also a line of repair along the join with the smaller panel on the lower edge. These matching panels are a super pair, in their eye-catching elongated format and corresponding poses.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Paris, Galerie Charpentier, D'Art Ancien Espagnol, 1925 (as part of a still complete altarpiece).

MM Bacri Frère collection, 1925;
Probably with Manuel Gonzalez, Madrid.