- 162
Gerard Seghers
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Gerard Seghers
- The Virgin in prayer at the foot of the cross, with crying angels
- oil on oak panel
Provenance
Possibly Surgeon-Captain W.G. Thwaytes, R.N.;
Possibly by whom sold, London, Christie's, 31 March 1967, lot 73, for 65 Guineas, to Holstein ('Spanish School, The Virgin Mary kneeling in lamentation, with cherubs weeping over the Crown of Thorns - on panel - 61 by 44 in.').
Possibly by whom sold, London, Christie's, 31 March 1967, lot 73, for 65 Guineas, to Holstein ('Spanish School, The Virgin Mary kneeling in lamentation, with cherubs weeping over the Crown of Thorns - on panel - 61 by 44 in.').
Condition
The panel is cradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is dirty and discoloured. There is evidence of old woodworm in the form of pin-prick sized holes sparsely scattered throughout the surface of the painting. There are a number of visibly retouched, vertical lines from both the joins in the panel and old splits. There are also some more notable areas of restoration visible to the naked eye in the arm and chest of the angel on the left, in the Virgin's proper left sleeve and in her white drapery. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals the aforementioned vertical and notable patches of retouching, along with a fairly extensive campaign throughout to old areas of loss, surface scratches and craquelure. In overall fair condition. Offered in a parcel gilt and painted wood frame in good condition.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The original composition by Seghers, previously thought to have been lost, which has long been known only through two engravings, of slightly differing designs, by Nicolaes Ryckemans and Lucas Vorsterman.1 The presence of the angels connects the print by Ryckemans more closely with the present painting.
1. Graphische Sammlung Albertina, Vienna; inv. nos HB 61 (Nr. 63) and HB 61 (Nr. 22); see D. Bieneck, Gerard Seghers, Lingen 1992, pp. 182-84, cat. nos A67 and A68, reproduced p. 183.