Jan Martszen the Younger

With Johnny van Haeften, London, 1991;
From whom bought by the late husband of the present owner.

Kassel, Staatliche Museen, Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, inv. L. 1131, on loan.

S. Körffer, in E. Mai (ed.), Das Kabinett des Sammlers.  Gemälde vom XV. bis XVIII. Jahrhundert, Cologne 1993, p. 178, no. 71, reproduced in colour.

The painting is clearer in tone and less murky in colour than the catalogue illustration. The panel support consists of one flat beautiful oak panel which has been bevelled along the edges. The signed paint surface appears clean and in good condition, with just the grey horse centre left a little abraded. Inspection under UV light reveals minor scattered strengthenings, with a retouched scratch in the sky. Overall in good condition. Offered in an ebonised rippled frame in good condition.
"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."

This is a characteristic early work by Jan Martsen, painted under the influence of Esaias van de Velde.  A pair of comparable pictures, on panels of similar size, signed and dated 1630, are in the collection of L.M.H. Bremers (see M.P. van Maarseveen (et al), Beelden van een strijd, exhibition catalogue, Zwolle 1998, pp. 304-5, nos. 83 & 84, reproduced).