Johan Laurentz Jensen

Kunsthaus Bühler, Stuttgart
Purchased from the above by the present owners in 1979

The canvas has been re-lined. There are scattered areas of retouching, notably to a repair at the upper centre and to an L-shaped repair at the lower centre (approx. 20 by 10cm.). Apart from scattered areas of craquelure, notably to the areas of lighter pigment, this work is in good condition, with rich colours and fine detail, and ready to hang. Held in the original giltwood frame.
"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."

An earlier version of the present work, painted by Jensen in Sorrento in 1834, is currently housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen.

A large-scale work by the father of the Danish school of flower-painting, the present opulent depiction is a fine example of the meticulous and true-to-life detail and classical elements celebrated in the artist's oeuvre. Jensen became adept at painting the minute features of plants, flowers and fruit through working at the Sèvres (1822-24) and the Royal Copenhagen porcelain factories. Between 1825-40 he was the chief painter at the Royal Copenhagen, and a professor there ten years later, teaching Queen Louise, the wife of Christian IX.