CIRCLE OF HENDRIK DANCKERTS | A View of Windsor Castle with the River Thames

With Pawsey & Payne, London;
from whom acquired by Guy Oswald Smith (1861-1928), 1917;
thence by descent

Inventory of the Property of Guy O. Smith at Shottesbrooke Park, 1928, vol. II, 'The Principal Pictures / Entrance Hall / Windsor Castle by Scott [?] 28 x 49.'

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals an extensive campaign of retouching through the sky as well as the green bank. There is further retouching scattered throughout the castle and to a lesser extent in the foreground. None of these, however, detract from the legibility of the image.
"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."

Hendrik Danckerts was born in The Hague and moved to England following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 to enter the service of Charles II and the Duke of York (later James II), specialising in topographical works. He painted several views of Windsor Castle, one originally for Charles II himself. Samuel Pepys also records in his diary entry of 22 January 1669 commissioning from 'Mr. Dancre, the famous landscape painter ... the four houses of the King, White Hall, Hampton Court, Greenwich, and Windsor' for his dining room. The subject was clearly popular and consequently reproduced by other contemporary artists.