Jacob Salomonsz. van Ruysdael

Cherkesov Collection (according to a wax seal on the reverse of the panel);
Kriukov Collection (according to a wax seal on the reverse of the panel);
Private collection, The Netherlands;
With Robert Noortman, London;
From whom acquired by a private collector, Texas, 1981;
From whom acquired by the present collector.

The panel has been cradled. There are two horizontal joins: the upper one runs through the sky at left and through tops of the trees at right; the other runs through trees at lower left, through lower sky, and tree trunks and foliage at right. The joins are only noticeable to naked eye upon very close inspection. Overall the paint surface has been very well preserved and detail and coloration in the foliage, figures and animals in very well retained. Examination under UV light: there are tiny retouches in the upper sky with a larger one over the cloud at upper right. There is some retouching along part of the upper join in the sky and clouds at far left. The foliage and foreground areas look good with only one or two tiny retouches. In a simple modern gilt wood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The warmth and serenity of this wooded landscape are characteristic elements found in the work of Jacob Salomonsz. van Ruysdael, son of Salomon van Ruysdael and cousin of Jacob Isaacz van Ruisdael.

Four red seals, probably from the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries, are affixed to the reverse of this panel (fig. 1).  One appears to be a civic seal of Mesnitskaya, formerly a region in Moscow, while two others bear the arms of the Cherkesov and Kriukov families.  The last unidentified seal emblazoned with a crown includes the characters AB in ligature.