Flemish School, 17th Century

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The original canvas is lined and the paint surface is in a good condition There is a repaired damage upper right , a repaired central tear and a restored 15cm vertical tear lower right. Recent scratches to the right hand edge may have penetrated through to the paint layer. Visible abrasions to the scumbles and more vulnerable glazes can be seen, these have not been strengthened, apart from the shadow to the arch on the left. There is an older opaque varnish to the left of the stairs as well as a discoloured and degraded varnish covering the whole surface, the removal of which would enhance the tonality of the painting."
"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."

The composition is based on an engraving by Jan Londerseel.¹ This in turn derives from a Hendrick Aerts composition which served as a basis for a number of church interior capricci by Flemish painters during the first half of the 17th century. Another version of this composition by Pieter Neefs the Elder was sold, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 12 November 1991, lot 77, for 57,500 guilders.

1. See I. Veldman, The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts 1450-1700, vol. XI, Amsterdam 1993, no. 75, p. 101, reproduced.