Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich

W.R. Woolcroft, Westcliffe on Sea, Essex;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 21 December, 1951, lot 152 (as Rembrandt);
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 11 January 1995, lot 261.

The copper plate is flat, the paint surface is stable, the colours are bright and the varnish is even. Much of the impasto also remains intact. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals some strengthening to the left side of Abraham's coat, and to the shadows around his feet, also in some small patches in the foliage, lower left, and under the arch, centre left. There are minor retouchings in Ishmael's coat and in the sky behind Hagar's head. In overall very good condition. Offered in a carved and gilded frame with a few minor knocks.
"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."

Christian Wilhelm Ernst Dietrich spent much of his life in Dresden, where he was professor of the recently established Academy from 1764. He was known primarily for his paintings after the works of 17th century masters and Watteau. During Dietrich's own life time his paintings were enormously sought after, his works being much admired for the refinement of their execution and for his extraordinary ability to emulate the effects and style of the great masters of the past. This composition is directly related to Rembrandt's 1637 print of the same subject (see F. W. H. Hollstein, Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings, and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700, Amsterdam 1969, p. 19, no. B30, reproduced). Another version of this composition by Dietrich, similar in size but on oak panel, was sold as one of a pair (the other depicting Christ among the doctors) in Paris, Tajan, 19 December 2001, lot 40.