Circle of Joannes Fijt

Geheimrat Johannes Stumpf, Berlin;
His sale, Berlin, Lepke, 7 May 1918, lot 43;
Kommerzienrat Otto Held, Berlin;
His sale, Berlin, Cassirer & Helbing, 5 December 1929, lot 18, for DM 2850;
Anonymous sale, Brussels, Palais des Beaux-Arts, 12 March 1951, lot 53 (all of the above as by Jan Fijt).

Berlin, Paul Cassirer, Ausstellung von Werken alter Kunst aus Berliner Privatbesitz, May-June 1915, cat. no. 46.

The actual painting is slightly warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The thin, probably single panel has been laid down unto a later panel (marouflé). One tiny paint loss is visible in the upper centre and there are some minimal paint losses along the outer left and right edges. Otherwise, the paint surface seems to be in good condition. A thin vertical retouched split of approximately 3 cm. is revealed in the upper left corner. Some minor strengthening can be observed in the red draperies, in the dogs, and in the dead birds. The paint surface is covered with a glossy, slightly dirty layer of varnish. Inspection under ultra violet light is partially impeded by the dirty varnish layer, but does confirm the strengthening as mentioned above. Offered in an elaborately carved gilt wood frame with a few losses. (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."

This painting can be compared to a similar composition by Joannes Fijt, on canvas, measurements 175 by 257 cm., which was with De Boer, Amsterdam, by 2005.¹ Fijt's conception of the abundant game piece as a trophy of the hunt, was widely adopted in the second half of the 17th Century. The sketchy and flowing brushwork in this painting are closely akin to Fijt's rich and bravura brushwork, which suggests that this painting must have originated within the circle of that artist.

1. According to photostats at the R.K.D., The Hague.