Benefiziat Theodor Heinrich Hubert Schmelz, vicar in Uerdingen, 1819–44, and later Lulsdorf, Cologne;
Fr. Dr. Thywissen, Schoenberg, by 1907, according to Renard;
Art market, Berlin, 1974;
Prof. Joseph Matzker, Bonn;
His sale, London, Sotheby’s, 7 December 1988, lot 33; 
Where acquired by the present owner.

E. Renard, Die Kunstdenkmaler des Siegkrieses, in Die Kunstdenkmaler der Rheinprovinz,  P. Clemn (ed.), Dusseldorf 1907, vol. V, p. 883;
W. Hansmann, Eine rhenische Carlone-Sammlung, in Wallruaf-Richartz Jahrbuch, G. von der Osten (ed.), Cologne 1975, vol. XXXVII, pp. 200–202, reproduced p. 201, plate 16.

The canvas has been laid on board and this new backing is uncradled. The paint surface is unclean and the varnish is slightly discoloured. Ultra violet inspection reveals an uneven varnish. There are minor scattered retouchings in the background above the Madonna and in the cherubim in the upper left. There is further, minor restoration in the Madonna, Christ and Mary Magdalene. There is alo some retouching in the drapery surrounding Christ. Overall the painting is in good and stable condition. The work is offered in a carved parcel gilt frame.
"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."

Full-scale paintings on canvas are much rarer than either bozzetti or frescoes in Carlone's œuvre, and many appear to have been produced in connection with large fresco commissions. This Lamentation was probably conceived as an altarpiece commissioned for the Elector Clemens August in Munster. It can tentatively be dated to before 1750, as this was about the time that Carlone changed the spelling of his name to Carloni.