Gillis van Tilborgh

E.R. Collister, Esq.;
By whom sold, London, Sotheby's, 4 March 1964, lot 36, to V.F. Northcott;
Anonymous sale, Louvain, Louis Phillipe, 13 September 1987, lot unknown. 

The actual painting is less grey and dark, but warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined (glue). The paint surface seems to be in good condition, with no major damages apparent. The paint surface is under a fine layer of dirt and discoloured varnish. A few discoloured retouchings are visible in the sky, either covering small damages or small scratches, e.g. upper left corner, centre, upper right. Inspection under UV light confirms the above and reveals more additional retouchings in the sky, the buildings and foreground and minor strengthening in the figures, foliage and cart. Offered in a classical red and black painted frame with scroll leaf decoration, a few chips. (ML)
"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."

The grand size of this painting is not unusual within the oeuvre of Brussels painter Gillis van Tilborgh. Between 1650 and 1670 he painted several low-life scenes and village streets on this scale; one such was sold, London, Sotheby's, 11 December 1996, lot  30.

Van Tilborgh, who was the son and pupil of Gillis van Tilborgh the Elder, and is thought to have studied under David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690). Peasants feasting outside inns, and busy village streets with merry companies were popular subjects for Van Tilborgh, and these compositions were visibly influenced by his contemporaries Teniers the Younger, Joos van Craesbeek (circa 1605-1654/61) and David Rijckaert (1612-1661). His portraits, on the other hand, which reveal a more refined approach, were more strongly inspired by Gonzales Coques (1614-1684). Although his reputation is now largely overshadowed by that of the more famous Teniers, Van Tilborgh contributed greatly to genre painting in the Southern Netherlands.