Thomas Heeremans Haarlem 1641 - 1694

"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. The paint layer is stable but there is deformation in the canvas through loss of tension. The original paint layer in the sky is thin and through this the ground colour is visible. There is a small scattering of pale discoloured retouchings to the sky and water covering small paint losses. The varnish is discoloured and a tonal improvement would be achieved if it were removed. The overall condition is good."
"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."

Throughout his career Heeremans painted mostly river landscapes in winter and summer, of which the present work is a fine example. Although previously very little was known about the artist, recent research by I. van Thiel-Stroman has shed more light on his life¹. Heeremans was born as the first of nine children and was baptised in the Reformed Church in Haarlem on 29 May 1641. A notarial record of 1659 indicates that Heeremans may have studied under Van Everdingen. According to Van Thiel-Stroman, this must refer to Cesar van Everdingen (1616/7-1678), as Allaert (1621-1675) had already moved from Haarlem to Amsterdam in 1652. No influence of the classicist painter can be found in the work of Heeremans, by whom no figure studies are known today.
Also active as a dealer, Heeremans joined the Guild of St Luke in 1664. Thomas Heeremans was buried in Haarlem at the Noorderkerkhof on 22 January 1694. 

1. see I. van Thiel-Stromans in Painting in Haarlem. The Collection of the Frans Hals Museum, Ghent 2006, pp. 202-3.