Madonna and Child with angels

The following methods of examination were employed: Infrared-reflectography (provided by Sotheby’s), stereomicroscopy and UV-light.

The panel appears to be made of two boards joined vertically (top c. 9 / 26 cm, bottom c. 8.8 / 25.8 cm). The wood species was not identified (possibly beech).

Priming barbes have survived along the top and bottom edges of the panel (and are partly covered with blackish paint). However, no such barbes are visible along the left and right edges of the panel. This phenomenon has been observed on other panels from Cranach's workshop. An irregular crack pattern around the vertical joint suggests that it was probably covered with fibres before the ground was applied. The application of animal fibres to reinforce panel joints was common practice in the Cranach workshop from the 1520s onwards.

An underdrawing is not readily visible in the IR-reflectogram. Some darker lines in the child’s legs may indicate the existence of a partial underdrawing in a dark drawing medium. Singular reddish lines in other passages suggest the use of red chalk. These are only visible to the naked eye and cannot be revealed by infrared reflectography. From the 1530s onwards the members of the Cranach workshop frequently used black and red chalk for underdrawings and consequently there are numerous Cranach paintings where no underdrawing could be detected employing IRR.

The paint application comprises of both lively brushwork and subtle modulation of light and shade employing a stippling technique. It is sophisticated and consistent with other works from the Cranach workshop produced in the 1530/40s. Details such as the hair were skilfully executed with fine lines. The patterned embroidered borders of the dresses and the curtain were completed with pale yellowish, brighter yellow and pinkish highlights. The serpent insignia at the top edge has a very particular shaped wing ('rolled in' at the top). While a visual inspection under limited magnification coonfirmed it was added when the painting was created, the shape of the wings is not typical of the insignia associated with Cranach the Elder or Cranach the Younger. However, there are other works from Cranach's workshop with a similar signet shape (e.g. https://lucascranach.org/DE_SMS_G204).

[Unpublished examination report, Heydenreich, 15.12.2021]

Support:

• the panel has been trimmed without changing the format and size significantly,

thinned on the reverse to a thickness of approximately 3.5 – 4 mm and cradled

• it is slightly convexed but appears to be in stable condition

Paint layers:

• under UV light a few minor retouchings are visible, in particular at the lower edge of the panel

[Unpublished examination report, Heydenreich, 15.12.2021]