Christian van Couwenbergh

Anonymous sale, London, Bonham's, December 10, 2002, lot 181.

A. Blankert, Dutch Classicism in seventeenth-century painting, exhibition catalogue, Rotterdam/Frankfurt 1999, reproduced p. 159, figure 24b (called "A Warrior Kneeling before a Woman on a Throne", as by Attributed to Christian van Couwenbergh).

Recent relining is firm and stable. there is generally good retention of the paint surface and strong coloration. a horizontal canvas seam or crease runs through lower torso and wrist of Aeneas at left through lower part of Dido and yellow drapery of woman at far right. ultraviolet light reveals a series of repaired tears along right side: in shoulder of Dido, in sleeve of woman in yellow and in her lower drapery. another repaired tear in face of man bending over at center and some retouching along his forearm. another repaired tear on forehead of bearded man at left; a large area of retouching can be seen on leather sandal and foot of Aeneas and retouching along canvas seam. others scattered here and there on figures and in background. there is no need for further work and painting is ready to hang. In a black wood frame with gold trim.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present painting depicts a scene from Virgil's Aeneid.  After wandering the Mediterranean, Aeneas and his band come ashore in North Africa, near the city of Carthage.  The ruler and founder of the city is the powerful and beautiful Queen Dido, with whom Aeneas has an extended love affair.  Eventually the other gods become afraid that his love for Dido is distracting him from his destiny, and they send Mercury to tell Aeneas to be on his way.  Forced to choose between love and duty, Aeneas chooses duty, and he is here depicted kneeling before Dido, bidding her goodbye. 

Van Couwenbergh was one of the leading Delft history painters during the first half of the seventeenth century, and his style was influenced by both the Haarlem and Utrecht history painters, as well as the Northern caravaggesque school.