Roelof Jansz. van Vries

Conradi collection, Hannover, before 1769;
Acquired with a large part of the Conradi collection by an ancestor of the present owner in circa 1809.

The picture is lighter in tone and fresher in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. Painted on a flat 2 piece panel with additions of an inch at either side. The paint surface is in good overall condition and the joins are visible upon close inspection under a raking light. There is evidence too of an additional old restored vertical split in the wood from the top of the panel edge to the bottom of the roof of the tower but none of these compromise the integrity of the picture. There is evidence of retouching in the sky and otherwise surface dirt and a discoloured varnish prevail. Examination under ultravilet light confimrs the varnish and retochuing and reveals further retouching to the architecture as well as flecks of scattered retouching to the leaves and landscape. Offered in a gld painted wood and plaster frame in good overall conditon.
"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."