The Mass of Saint Gregory, a 9¾ x 6¾in (25 x 18cm) oil on panel, was initially regarded as a later copy but, after conducting research, the saleroom believed it to be an original 17th century Flemish School painting with a composition derived from a late 15th century engraving of the subject by German draughtman Israhel van Mechelem (c.1445-1503).
Catalogued as such and given a £400-600 estimate on July 9, it drew good interest from specialists both from the UK and overseas. Numerous requests were made for extra images and information relating to the condition of the cracked panel and the ebonised tabernacle frame in which it was contained.
On the day, seven phone lines were booked and, with other participants online, it was bid to £9500 at the auction in in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, with the gavel falling to a UK private buyer.
