Jakob Philipp Hackert

The picture is lighter in tone and fresher in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The flat stable panel has been laid onto another panel support. The paint surface is in good overall condition apart from some discoloured retouching down a vertical panel split as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is also evidence of some minor frame abrasion to the lower panel edge again visible in the catalogue illustration. There has been some now stabilised old cracking to the paint surface which has resulted in a very minor single loss by the head of the central climbing figure. Under a raking light there is evidence of some scattered retouching in the sky and sea and what looks like two small areas of old restored damage in the sky upper right aand in the sea lower right as can again be seen in the catalogue illustration. Ultraviolet examination confirms the aforementioned areas of retouching and reveals a discoloured varnish overall. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster 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."

 We are grateful to Dr. Claudia Nordhoff for endorsing the attribution to Hackert on the basis of photographs.  Another, larger, version of this composition is known, with different staffage (see C. Nordhoff and H. Reimer, Jakob Philipp Hackert. 1737-1807, vol. I, p. 136, fig. 61 (engraving reproduced), vol. II, p. 56, cat. no. 135).