Johan Jakob Biedermann

Both copper plates are flat. The paint surfaces are clean and stable with no losses. There is excellent preservation of the paint surface with lovely detail in both. Painting with waterfall under UV light: just a few tiny dots fluoresce in the sky and an area of uneven varnish at lower left corner. Painting with boat on river under UV light: a few very small retouches in upper sky and a few tiny dots in lower sky. These paintings are in lovely state and can be hung as is. Offered in gilt wood frames with minor nicks.
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.

This charming pair of paintings illustrate the Old City of Bern from two different vantage points on the River Aare.  In one view, beyond a small boat with a figure and a dog rises the distinctive architecture that defines the Swiss hillside city, including the incomplete spire of the Berner Münster, a Gothic cathedral whose soaring bell tower was not complete until 1893, more than three centuries after its original construction.  The other view depicts a small building near the dam of the winding river as well as the towers and walls of the Münsterplattform, a terrace that stretches to the south of the cathedral.