Jan Josefsz. van Goyen

With Steinmeyer, Paris;
With G. Neumans, Paris, 1912;
With Thomas Agnew & Sons Ltd., London, no. 11954 (according to a label on the reverse).

C. Hofstede de Groot, Beschreibendes und kritisches Verzeichnis der Werke..., vol. VIII, Esslingen/Paris, 1923, p. 187, no. 757;
H.-U. Beck, Jan van Goyen, 1596 – 1656, vol. II, Amsterdam 1973, p. 283, cat. no. 625;
H.-U. Beck, 'Doorzagen op Jan van Goyen', Oud Holland, 1999, 113, no. 1/2, p. 42, reproduced fig. 14, both the above erroneously mentioned as a fragment.  

The actual painting is less red and more green in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single piece of rather thick panel is bevelled on all sides and very fragile, with parts missing along the lower edge, caused by old woodworm. The paint surface is still in good condition, with some minor wear centre left. The paint surface is under a discoloured varnish layer, and shows a few tiny retouched paint losses in the sky and along the horizon. UV light reveals an unevenly cleaned varnish layer, and a couple of tiny retouchings lower and upper left. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame, a few small 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."