Attributed to Carl Wilhelm de Hamilton

The pictures are darker in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. They are both painted on flat single panels. The first (as illustrated on the left in the catalogue) is in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye apart from an old restored chip to the panel edge upper right, however this is concealed by the frame. The panel is dirty and has a discoloured varnish overall which mutes the colours. Examination under ultraviolet reveals retouching to the contours of the tree and it's trunk as well as to the outline of the plants and to the darker pigments in the background and foreground i.e. the shadow on the rocks. However this retouching is purely cosmetic and not to structural damage. The second (as illustrated on the right in the catalogue): The paint surface is in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint apart form an old very minor horizontal indentation measuring approx. 1 in. in the upper left. There is a more pronounced spidery craquelure and dirt and varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet reveals old retouchings to the contours and the darker pigments centre left however the mottled varnish makes proper inspection difficult. Offered in matching gilt wood frames 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."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer Curator of the Netherlands Institue of Art History, an expert on still-life painting for endorsing an attribution to Carl Wilhelm de Hamilton on the basis of photographs.