Jan Willem Pieneman

Sale, Paris, Thierry de Maigret, 26 March 2014, lot 143

Hinge mounted in two places to the upper edge. There is evidence of some slight surface dirt/discoloration to the four edges and the sky. Otherwise in very good, fresh condition, with the watercolour strong throughout. Sold in a carved 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."

This highly decorative parkland scene depicting putti grieving at a monument, was created by Pieneman as an imaginary monument to William George Frederick, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1774-1799). In the foreground a veiled putto kneels in front of a portrait medallion of the deceased, while the attributes of his military career lie strewn on the ground. The composition is also known through an etching made in 1799 by Jacobus Wijsman, several different states of which are kept at the Rijksprentenkabinet in Amsterdam.¹

^1. Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum, Inv. nos. RP-P-OB-70.374 - 376 and RP-P-OB-86.682