Attributed to Jacob Ochtervelt

Count Cavens;
Dr. C.J. Noever, 1936;
Sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 12 May 1992, lot 70;
Sale, London, Sotheby's, 30 October 1996, lot 139 (both the above as attributed to Jan Steen).

The actual painting is slightly softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single oval panel is flat and stable, and slightly bevelled along the edges. The paint surface has grown slightly thin in the darker areas, e.g. in the figure's hat and in the background, but otherwise, seems to be in excellent condition. The painting seems to be recently cleaned. A few very tiny retouchings can be observed in the figure's face and in the background centre right. The paint surface is covered with a clear layer of varnish. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms the aforementioned retouchings and reveals additional tiny scattered retouchings in the figure's hat, collar and hand, and some additional ones in the background upper and lower centre. Offered in an elaborately 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."

Most of Ochtervelt's production consists of interior scenes, but a small body of representations of half-length figures exist. Ochtervelt's Singing violinist which was sold London, Sotheby's, 6 December 2007, lot 176, belongs to this group of small-scale paintings datable to the mid 1660s.¹ The present work shows a similar handling of the paint, most notable in the light and dark transitions of the white sleeve and collar. The somewhat irregular brushstrokes of the white textures contrast with the very smooth application of the face and the orange coat, another stylistic similarity between the Singing violinist and the present work.

1. S. Donahue Kuretsky, The Paintings of Jacob van Ochtervelt (1634-1682), Oxford 1979, pp. 20-22 and 67, cat. no. 34, reproduced fig. 63.