- 77
JAN THOPAS | A oval vanitas still life, within an elaborate drawn frame
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- A oval vanitas still life, within an elaborate drawn frame
- Pen and black ink, and grey and black ink wash, over indications in black chalk, within a brown ink framing line, on vellum; bears inscription in black chalk, verso: N5 v de Quartemont
- 191 by 147 mm; 7 ½ by 5 ¾ in
Condition
Overall condition extremely good and fresh. Remains of old glue, and backing paper, stuck to verso in places. A little very light staining in margins, but otherwise very good condition. Sold in a fine, antique Sansovino-style 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
This previously unknown work is closely comparable in its style and technique to the remarkable series of portrait drawings by the enigmatic draughtsman, Jan (or Johannes) Thopas, about whom very little was known prior to the revelatory exhibition held in 2014 at the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, Aachen, and the Rembrandt House Museum, Amsterdam. The use of dense, black ink washes in contrast to other areas of silvery-grey, is highly characteristic of Thopas's work, as is the elaborate drawn frame surrounding the main image. Until now, though, such frames were only known in the context of portrait drawings1, and this is the only example that has so far come to light of a still-life by Thopas. We are grateful to Peter van den Brink, co-organiser of the 2014 exhibition, who has confirmed the attribution, having seen the drawing in the original. The vanitas still life, in which the compositional elements all allude to the brevity or futility of human life and endeavour, was a very popular genre in Dutch art of the 17th century, and the symbolism of the image would have been well understood by all who saw it.
See also lot 93 for a characteristic portrait by Thopas.
1. R. Ekkart, Deaf, Dumb & Brilliant. Johannes Thopas, Master Draughtsman, exhib. cat., Aachen, Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, and Amsterdam, Rembrandt House Museum, 2014, pp. 65-73, 119-122, nos. 26-34
See also lot 93 for a characteristic portrait by Thopas.
1. R. Ekkart, Deaf, Dumb & Brilliant. Johannes Thopas, Master Draughtsman, exhib. cat., Aachen, Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, and Amsterdam, Rembrandt House Museum, 2014, pp. 65-73, 119-122, nos. 26-34