After Johan Moreelse

The actual painting is slightly darker and less yellow in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a stable relining. A vertical retouching of approx. 30 cm. is visible right of the middle, and another vertical retouching is visible close to the right edge. Otherwise, no damages seem to be apparent and the paint surface seems to be in good condition. A few small spots of retouching are visible in the nose of the elder philosopher, above his head, and in the face of the younger philosopher. The paint surface is covered with a slightly dirty and shiny layer of canvas. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms the aforementioned retouchings and furthermore, reveals additional retouchings throughout, e.g., in the elder philosopher's hands, in the cap of the younger philosopher, along the left edge, and in the central background. Offered in a decorative carved and gilt wood frame in good condition. (MW)
"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."

The figure of Democritus, the laughing philosopher on the right, is based on a work by Johan Moreelse of which one version is in the Mauritshuis, The Hague (inv. no. 705). A second version of this painting is in the Lord Sackville collection, Knole, which has a pendant that is close to the Heraclitus figure to the left in the present lot (see K. Fremantle, 'The Identity of Johan Moreelse', The Burlington Magazine, 116 (1974), pp. 618-20 and B. Nicolson, 'Additions to Johan Moreelse', The Burlington Magazine, 166 (1974), pp. 620-23).

We are grateful to Dr. E. Domela Nieuwenhuis for his help in cataloguing this lot.