Pieter Codde

George F. McMurray,
By whom donated to the Pasadena Art Museum, Pasadena, California in 1960;
Pasadena Art Museum (deaccessioned, 5 February 1968, according to a label on the reverse),
By whom sold, New York, Sotheby's, 12 February 1970, lot 52.

 

'Accessions of American and Canadian Museums, October-December 1960', Art Quarterly, vol. 24, Spring 1961, no. 1, p. 95.

The actual painting is warmer in tone, and shows more detail than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of one plank and is unbevelled. A horizontal crack running from the left to the right can be seen running though the centre of the panel. It has been repaired and retouched. A smaller curved crack is visible running from the left edge just below the horizontal crack. The paint surface has grown slightly thin, but particularly in the lighter tones the brushwork has been nicely preserved. The paint surface is under a dirty layer of varnish. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms the repaired damage as mentioned above, and reveals an additional tiny spot of retouching along the left edge. Offered in a decorative carved red painted 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."

Codde's genre paintings can be divided into two categories: compositions of multiple figures in a spacious setting or those in which the figures are positioned upclose in the picture plane. The present painting is an excellent example of the latter type. The man standing on the left, who dominates the composition, is elegantly clad as well as his younger companion, whereas the little boy on the right and the two figures behind him are clearly from a lower social class.

Although the figures represented here are not carrying arms, they are most likely soldiers. The depiction of guardrooms with soldiers was a popular theme in the first half of the 17th Century and Codde produced a great many kortegaardjes throughout his career. The Dutch word kortegaardje was corrupted from the French term "corps de garde", the room where soldiers relieved the guard.