Dutch School, circa 1647

Anonymous sale, Paris, Drouot, 21 April 1910, lot 32, as attributed to Bartholomeus van der Helst, for 6100 francs to Spiridon;
J.F.D. collection, Berlin;
His sale, Berlin, Lepke, 28 November 1911, lot 30 (as by Dirck Dircksz. Santvoort);
Dr. F. Duyvensz., Huis Bijdorp, Loenen aan de Vecht (as by Johannes Verspronck);
By whom (anonymously) sold, Amsterdam, Mak van Waay, 15 December 1970, lot 24 (as Dutch School, first half of the 17th Century);
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby Mak van Waay, 14/15 March 1983, lot 22 (as circle of Johannes Verspronck).

 

The actual painting is warmer and more yellow in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel appears to consist of three vertical planks, and is cradled. There are two horizontal surface (?) cracks running through the centre, of which the cause is unclear. Furthermore, thin splits can be seen along the upper edge, as well as a few very tiny holes in the lower part, and two very minor scratches in her face. The paint surface is still in wonderful condition with the impasto beautifully preserved, e.g. in the jewellery and dress. The paint surface is under a very dirty and discoloured varnish layer and has a very fine and dense craquelure pattern. Inspection under UV light is largely impeded by the dirty varnish layer, but does reveal a large area of retouching centre left, a smaller area in the left sleeve and centre right. Offered in a plaster gilt wood frame, with some damages. (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 quality of this extraordinary portrait has unfortunately not yet resulted in a consensus regarding its author, as is shown by the list of attributions it has been given in previous sales. Although the portrait clearly shows elements of Haarlem and Amsterdam masters, such as Johannes Verspronck (1600/3- 1662) and Dirck Dircksz van Santvoort (circa 1610-1680), artists like the northern Jan Jansz. de Stomme (1615-1657/8) and the Antwerp born Paulus Hennekyn (1612-1672) also deserve consideration.

What can be quite clearly said about this portrait is its date, which is revealed by the clothes and hair of the lady. The decoration in the somewhat longer hair, the pointed bodice with its horizontal lace embroidery, the dense lace pattern and the horizontal collar, all indicate a date around 1647.

We are grateful to Dr. Marieke de Winkel for her help with dating this lot.