SCHOOL OF PETER PAUL RUBENS (Flemish, 1577-1640). THE SACRIFICIAL LAMB (SKETCH FOR A TAPESTRY), oil on canvas - Unframed: 48 1/2 in. x 61 1/4 in. Estimate $8,000-12,000
Lined. Heavy varnish. Losses at all edges. Vertical tear along left edge from center to bottom, continuing near top edge. 4 in. horzontal tear on right elbow of 2nd putto from left. Fine craquelure throughout with some pigment separation. Repaired holes and tears in red drapery below escutcheon (and central background). Vertical crease through center of work. Hole in wing of putto near upper right. Old repaired tear (4 in. L-shaped) at center right. Small repaired hole in woman''s head at lower right. UV: Scattered inpainting especially in areas mentioned above. Possible earlier restoration difficult to detect because of heavy varnish.
