St Christopher

'Infrared reflectography of this panel reveals bold and vigorous drawing denoting freehand application, with almost all aspects of the drawn design shifted and adjusted at the painting stage. The Christ Child, whose right hand is painted raised in blessing, was originally conceived with his hand outstretched, and his smaller head encircled with a different halo design. Likewise the nymph in the water, lower right, is drawn with more contrapposto, with a tilted head, and more exaggerated breasts. These changes all indicate a considerable degree of freedom and spontaneity on the part of the artist and the design process. The freehand drawing, with its strokes of varied width and intensity suggest the use of a pointed brush [...]'

For the full IRR report by Tager Stonor Richardson see:

[Sotheby's online database, accessed 09.03.2022].

Support:

'Uncradled, very slightly bowed; evidence of historic vertical splits; reinforcing vertical battens since removed; the reverse planed.

Paint Layers:

The painted surface is relatively clean; abrasion caused by the frame visible along all four edges; paint layers thinned slightly to reveal underdrawing; vertical lines of retouching along the repaired splits, and along all four edges visible in UV light; pinprick retouchings are scattered throughout, more notably in areas of the water; more concentrated retouchings appear in the face of the nymph; in the back of the sea creature, lower left; and in Saint Christopher's face and beard.

Coatings:

Clear varnish

[Sotheby's online database, accessed 09.03.2022]