Thomas Wijck

Acquired by the family between 1815-1830;
Thence by descent.

The picture is fresher in tone and more luminous in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been lined and the paint surface is in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye. There is surface dirt and a mottled varnish overall as well as a little minor cosmetic work in the sky which is visible only upon very close inspection. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the aforementioned work as well as the presence of the varnish which impedes full inspection however there is evidence of some old minor scattered strengthening to the architecture. Offered in a Victorian gilt and brown wood frame in good overall 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."

The architectural motifs derive from the Capitol and the Temple of Saturn in Rome, whilst the distant seaport is a capriccio of Naples. These same motifs occur in a large painting by Wijck, signed and dated 1679, measuring 165 by 193 cm., in the Speck von Sternburg Stiftung in the Gemäldegalerie Leipzig (inv. no. 1633), and also in a smaller picture, signed, oil on canvas, formerly in the Gaston Ritter von Mallmann collection, Blaschkow.