John Theodore Heins

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting on canvas has been fairy recently lined and while the paint layer is stable and the surface even, the restoration to the surface should be improved. The paint layer is most likely clean but a very visible abrasion has occurred in the fingers of the hand shielding the candlelight. There are restorations in the mouth of the older woman which are not competent, in her right hand, in the dark background, in the hood of the young woman, beneath the young woman's left eye and in her chest. While the condition is uneven, the right kind of conservation could improve the image. It is interesting to see this light maroon color which forms the basis for the glaze and which is currently missing in the hand shielding the flame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Of German origin, by 1720 John Theodore Heins had settled in Norwich, England, where he made a career painting portraits of members of prominent local families, such as the Astley family of Melton Constable, Norfolk, who were important patrons of the artist.  The Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery holds a large collection of Heins' work.  

Heins was also adept at painting allegorical and historical subjects, and, as the present composition demonstrates, nocturnals.