Thomas Willeboirts Bosschaert

Private collection, France.

The canvas is lined and is stable on its stretcher. The image reads well beneath a clear varnish. Inspection under UV reveals scattered retouches around the extreme edges, particularly along the lower edge. There is a retouched repair at center of the face and above the ear, a thin line of retouching in upper left corner, and some spots of retouching on the neck of the young man, although these are not distracting. The painting can be hung in its present condition. Offered in a simply carved dark 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.

This lively sketch of a young man twisting his head upward is characteristic of the head studies made by the Flemish artist Thomas Willeboirts, called Bosschaert.¹  The physiognomy of this figure can be compared, although in reverse, to that found in Willeboirts' depictions of the languishing Saint Sebastian, of which a few versions are known.² 1. For a comparable head study, see anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 30 October 1981, lot 28.
2. See A. Heinrich, Thomas Willeboirts Bosschaert: (1613/14-1654): ein flämischer Nachfolger Van Dycks, Turnhout 2003, vol. 1, pp. 194-195, cat. nos. A31, A31a, A31b, reproduced vol. II, pp. 519-520, figs. 50-52.