Lot 136
  • 136

Follower of Melchior de Hondecoeter

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 EUR
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Description

  • Melchior de Hondecoeter
  • hens, chickens, a pigeon and a lapwing in a garden landscape
  • bears signature lower centre: M. D. Hondekoeter 
  • oil on canvas

Provenance

Helbing Collection;
Their sale, Zurich, Zunfthaus, 25/26 February 1924, lot 457;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 1 November 1972, lot 139.

Exhibited

Wiesbaden, Museum Wiesbaden, 5 Sammler - 5 Meinungen, 8 April - 27 May 1973 (as by Melchior de Hondecoeter).

Condition

The actual painting is warmer in tone and the colours are less bright than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined. No damages are visible to the naked eye and overall the painting is in good condition. Some discoloured retouchings are visible in the sky and in the architecture in the background. The paint layer is covered with a slightly discoloured, but still transparent varnish layer. Inspection under UV light confirms abovementioned retouchings and reveals scattered retouchings throughout, but only a few in the birds, especially in the cockerel upper right. Additional retouchings become apparent in the foreground area. Offered in a modern gilt plaster frame, damaged along the upper and bottom edge. (JD)
"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."

Catalogue Note

A near contemporary copy of a signed original by Melchior de Hondecoeter in a private collection, Barcelona, last exhibited in 1950.1

1. See the exhibition catalogue Catálogo de la exposición de cacerías y paisajes (escuelas flamenca, Holandesa, Italiana y Francesa. siglos XVII y XVIII) de colecciones Barcelonesas, Barcelona 1950/51, vol. VII, cat. no. XII, p. 49.