- 138
Circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens
Estimate
12,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Sir Peter Paul Rubens
- Head of an old man
- oil on panel, with additions to all four edges, in a fine carved and gilt 17th century frame
Provenance
Édouard Napoléon César Edmond Mortier, 5th Duke of Trévise (1883-1946);
His sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot (Bellier et Ader), 8 December 1947, lot 69 (as attributed to P. P. Rubens).
His sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot (Bellier et Ader), 8 December 1947, lot 69 (as attributed to P. P. Rubens).
Condition
The support consists of two planks, cradled on the reverse, with neither of the two visible edges bevelled. On the surface, which is quite well preserved overall, there is some restoration along the upper part of the join and a restored vertical crack to its right, about 15cm in length. There is some fairly significant restoration to the background at the top and down the left margin. with only sporadic retouchings in the moustache and beard. The painting appears to have been quite recently restored and no further attention is necessary. Offered in a 19th century giltwood frame.
"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
A period copy of one of Rubens' lost head studies, painted to record a range of physiognomies for later reference.1 This particular head has the distinction of being the model for the calm and dignified King Melchior in the Adoration of the Magi, now in the Prado inv. no.1638.2 It was also used for the grave-looking Pharisee in Christ and the Adulteress, now in Brussels inv. no. 3461.3 A drawing of this head by Van Dyck is in the collection at Chatsworth inv. no. 682A.4
An attribution to Van Dyck has also been suggested.
1. See J. S. Held, The oil sketches of Peter Paul Rubens Rubens, vol. I, Princeton 1980, pp. 600-601, cat. nos. 434, reproduced vol. II, nos. 475-476.
2. J. M. Ortega Calderón, Todo el Prado, Madrid 1996, p. 550, reproduced fig. 1651.
3. Museées Royaux de Beaux Arts de Belgique. Catalogue inventaire de la peinture ancienne, Brussels 1984, p. 247, cat. no. 3461, reproduced.
4. M. Jaffé, The Devonshire Collection of Northern European Drawings, vol. I (Van Dyck-Rubens), Turin 2002, p. 50, cat. no. 969, inv. no. 682A, reproduced p. 51.