- 241
Adam Willaerts
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Adam Willaerts
- A fortified coastal town with fishermen unloading their catch and larger vessels offshore
- oil on oak panel, reduced
- 37 by 58.5 cm
Provenance
With Abraham Nijstad, Lochem, 1948;
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Mak van Waay, 28 October 1969, lot 796, for 37,000 guilders;
With Richard Green, London, 1970;
Anonymous sale ('To be sold by order of the executors of a deceased's estate'), London, Phillips, 10 December 1996, lot 54;
With Xaver Scheidwimmer, Munich, from whom acquired by the present owner.
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Mak van Waay, 28 October 1969, lot 796, for 37,000 guilders;
With Richard Green, London, 1970;
Anonymous sale ('To be sold by order of the executors of a deceased's estate'), London, Phillips, 10 December 1996, lot 54;
With Xaver Scheidwimmer, Munich, from whom acquired by the present owner.
Condition
The panel has been cradled, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. Extensive underdrawing is visible below the lighter tones of the foreground. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals extensive retouching throughout the sky - a combination of spot retouchings and washes. There is some strengthening in the trees in the centre of the right margin, and tiny areas of strengthening in some of the darker details, particularly in the architecture. Most details in the foreground appear to be untouched, however, and the painting is in overall 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 large fortified city in the background is a capriccio, but like many of Willaerts' coastal scenes, probably incorporates elements of real places.
As recently as the 1996 Philips auction, and also in the Xaver Scheidwimmer cataloguing, this painting was described as signed lower right: A. WILLAERTS, trace of which is now lost. Originally the composition probably extended to the left.