Wouterus Verschuur

Straight panel. No retouches visible under UV light. In perfect condition.
"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."

In the 19th century, Wouterus Verschuur was the most reputed Dutch painter of horses. Inspired by the force and elegance of equestrian anatomy, Verschuur celebrated the beauty of working horses in stable interiors, farmyards and in the fields. The inventive arrangements and highly detailed execution betray a proficient painter, who was to become Holland's leading animalier.

Verschuur started his career as a student of the Dutch cattle painter Pieter Gerardus van Os. From 1858 until 1868 he lived and worked in Haarlem, where he tutored the Hague School painter Anton Mauve. Verschuur has been working together with highly acknowledged painters like Cornelis Springer, supplying staffage to his town views. During his lifetime, his talent was already widely recognised. He was awarded a gold medal twice by the Amsterdam art society Felix Meritis and in 1855 he sold one of his paintings to Napoleon III during the Exposition Universelle in Paris. 

The present lot is an outstanding example of Verschuur's brilliant execution of the animals which would inspire him during his whole artistic career.