Joseph van Bredael

With Galerie de Jonckheere, Paris.

K. Ertz and C. Nitze-Ertz, Josef van Bredael 1688–1739, Lingen 2006, pp. 31, 150, cat. no. E 23, reproduced fig. 31 and in colour plate 8.

The copper support is slightly bowed. The paint surface is clean. To the naked eye there is some retouching to the right margin and the right side of the church door. Ultra violet inspection reveals an uneven layer of varnish. Furthermore there is some minor retouching scattered throughout the picture, particularly to the sky, the upper left corner and to the lower right corner. The work is offered in a simple carved Dutch style wood frame in very 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."

Another slightly larger version of this composition by Bredael is recorded by Ertz in a Parisian private collection. That copper bears a false Jan Brueghel signature and the date 1600, while the date on the town hall on the right of the design is similarly missing, but the staffage remains the same.¹ 

1. Copper 22 x 30 cm. Ertz 2006, cat. no. E22, reproduced.