Intelligence Squared The Specialist | The Anonymous Altarpiece: Decoding a Renaissance Enigma, with Alex Bell
Dec 20, 2025
Join Alex Bell, Chairman Emeritus of Sotheby’s UK and an expert in Old Masters, as he unravels the captivating story behind an enigmatic Renaissance altarpiece. He shares his early encounters with the painting and discusses its mysterious origins, detailing its intricate imagery influenced by Netherlandish and French art. Using dendrochronology, he reveals its date range, while infrared imaging unveils dramatic under-drawings. Bell also explains the acquisition journey that brought this masterpiece to the National Gallery and reflects on the value of anonymous artistry.
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Mastery Without a Name
- The altarpiece is an early Netherlandish work circa 1500–1505 with strong Ghent and Netherlandish influences.
- Its quality stands apart despite the artist remaining unidentified, highlighting art's value beyond attribution.
First Encounter In A Private Home
- Alex Bell first saw the painting in a private English collection after it had been in one family for nearly two centuries.
- The owner later asked Sotheby's to research its attribution, sparking further scientific study.
Use Science To Date Panels
- Use scientific techniques like dendrochronology to narrow dating for old panel paintings.
- Combine methods to corroborate stylistic judgments rather than relying on attribution alone.