Jan Baptist Weenix

W. Pitcairn Knowles (L.2643);
J.H. Wiegersma (L.1552b);
J. Fred Bianchi (his mark, verso, not in Lugt),
his sale, Amsterdam, Paul Brandt, 25 November 1964, lot 663

Unframed. There is an area of slight grey discolouration at the upper right corner, and also a few, very small isolated fox marks. Otherwise the condition is fine and the chalk is still strong.
"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 biographer Arnold Houbraken wrote of Weenix that, while studying with Abraham Bloemart in Utrecht, he made a great number of drawings from nature of 'old dilapidated Barns, Houses, and other things that seemed to him pictureseque', of which this may be one. 

The artist's quest for the picturesque led him in 1642 to leave his wife and 14-month old son and travel to Italy.  Houbraken described how Weenix had left in secret, but was tracked down and fetched back from Rotterdam by his wife.  He then left again, this time with his wife's agreement, but on condition that he return in four months.  In fact, he was away for four years, living and working with great success in Rome.¹

1.  See P. Schatborn, Drawn to Warmth: 17th Century Dutch Artists in Italy, exhibition catalogue, Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum 2001, p. 110