Jan Josef Horemans the Elder

The painting is darker than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been relined and this seems to have flattened the paint surface somewhat. The dirty paint surface appears stable, however, and is under an oxidised varnish. The musician's black clothing appears abraded and subsequently repainted and some discoloured retouchings can be made out in the statue to the right. Some surface scuffs are present centre and centre right, as visible in the catalogue. Inspection under UV light reveals strengthenings and retouchings in the musician, in the base of the statue and to the outlines of the statue, scattered in the background. The varnish impedes satisfactory analysis of the foliage upper right, though this appears to be in fair condition. Removal of the old varnish and application of a new one would greatly benefit the painting and improve the overall tonality.
"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."

We are grateful to both Fred G. Meijer and Jan de Maere for independently pointing out that the landscape is the work of Pieter Andreas Rysbrack (1684-1748). Horemans was evidently interested in sculpture, and similar statues are to be found in several of his portraits, notably that of the Bals family of 1720 sold New York, Christie's, 12 January 1996, lot 94. See also his study of a sculptor's studio in the preceding lot in this sale.