- 88
Melchior Brassauw
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 EUR
bidding is closed
Description
- Melchior Brassauw
- portrait of a lady, half length, wearing a pastoral dress with a wide-brimmed feathered hat, holding a music sheet;portrait of a gentleman, half length, wearing a fur-trimmed black coat with a white chemise and a feathered hat
- a pair, the former with remains of a signature upper right; the latter signed upper left: Melchior. Brassauw: pinx:
- both oil on panel
Condition
Both paintings are softer and less red in tone than the catalogue illustrations suggest. The single panel with the man is flat and stable and beveled on all sides. The panel with the woman has cracked right through the middle and has been repaired and reenforced to the reverse with 4 small battons. In the portrait of the man a thin vertical split is visible lower left. Both paint layers are well preserved and are under a slightly dirty varnish layer. In both paintings a few tiny discoloured retouchings can be observed in the background. Inspection under UV light reveals some additional scattered ones in the female portrait, e.g. in her dress.
Offered in decorative carved gilt wood frames, a few paint losses. (MW)
"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 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."
Catalogue Note
Born in Malines, Brassauw moved to Antwerp in 1737, where he was active until his death in 1757. Portraits such as these, as well as more 17th Century inspired genre pieces and tronies can be found throughout his oeuvre. This gentleman with feathered hat is very similar to a work in the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid (inv. no. 2867), which was attributed to Brassauw by the R.K.D., The Hague in 1997. The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, ownes a signed Musical Company by the artist (inv. no. A57).