The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work on panel shows various cracks and joins. There is a slight curve in the panel from left to right, but this is not disturbing. There are four horizontal wooden battens on the reverse, but the panel is otherwise unsupported. One long crack has become slightly unstable over time and is visible through the right side of the figure of the Madonna. Three or four other small cracks along the bottom edge and another above the head of Christ have been restored. The painting is visibly dirty. The restorations are not particularly effective, but it can clearly be seen that the condition is particularly good throughout the work, even in the landscape and faces. The gilding seems to be period. The work will certainly respond to cleaning. The picture can be restored to look considerably better, but on still retain what appears to be its original patina. No structural work would be required as the panel and paint layer are stable.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

It has been suggested that this panel may have been executed by Pedro Machuca (Toledo circa 1490 - 1550 Granada).  Little is known of Machuca's youth; though born in Toledo, he appears to have been in Italy from an early age, returning to Spain with his father, Jacopo Fiorentino, circa 1520.  Likely to have been affiliated with Raphael’s workshop from 1515 – 1516, along with Perino del Vaga, Correggio and Domenico Beccafumi, Machuca is thought to have been a proponent of the Italian Mannerist movement in the second decade of the 16^th century.¹

1.  F. Marías, "Pedro Machuca" ,in The Art Dictionary, J. Turner, ed., London and New York 1996, &n𒐪bsp;vol. 20, pp.1 - 2.