Gerrit Toorenburgh

With Agnew & Sons, London, by 1942 (according to a label on the reverse);
Anonymous sale, Edinburgh, Lyon & Turnbull, 28 November 2007, lot 23.

The actual painting is warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a rather firm relining. Stretcher marks are slightly visible below the upper edge. The painting seems to be recently cleaned and is in very good condition. Small retouchings can be observed in the sky throughout, possibly relating to older paint losses, e.g. in the upper right and left corners, in the centre and centre right, and along the upper edge. The paint surface is covered with a clear layer of varnish. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms the retouchings as mentioned above, and reveals additional extensive tiny retouchings throughout, e.g. in the ice lower centre, on the path in the foreground, and along the lower edge. Offered in a plain gilt wood frame with a few chips. (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 view seen from the east shows a familiar view of Leiden with the distinct dome of the Marekerk in the distance. This sight has been depicted on multiple occasions, see for example a drawing by the 18th Century Jacob Timmermans of the exact same view in summer, including the Hooglandse Kerk in the distance left (see fig. 1), and a drawing by Jacob Esselens in the Teyler Museum, Haarlem (inv. no. Q 64), which also depicts the same view, albeit somewhat broader and without the draw-bridge.¹

Toorenburgh, who studied under the well-known Haarlem painter of cityscapes Jan ten Compe (1713-1761) must have travelled around Holland, for apart from Leiden, he also painted views from Delft, one of which was recorded with Robert Noortman in 1974, from Utrecht, one of which is in the Centraal Museum, Utrecht,² and of course from Amsterdam, sold in these Rooms, 6 May 2006, lot 112.

We are grateful to Erik Schmitz of the Stadsarchief Amsterdam for his help in identifying the view in this lot.

1. See M.C. Plomp, The Dutch Drawings in the Teyler Museum, Haarlem/Ghent/Doornspijk 1997, vol. II, p. 146, no. 133, reproduced.
2. Centraal Museum Utrecht, Catalogus der schilderijen, Utrecht 1952, p. 145, no. 311.