菲利普斯‧沃弗曼

Anonymous sale, Zurich, Galerie Koller, 28 May 1976, lot 5254;
French private collection.

The painting overall is in good condition and presents a lovely image. The panel is flat and stable, beveled on the lower and right edges and made up of two horizontal boards. Inspection under UV reveals extensive retouching through the upper section, retouching to the panel join and more minor retouching in the horse and lower section though all are finely applied and are not apparent to the naked eye. The painting requires no further work and is ready to hang, offered in a simple carved black 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.

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the RKD, The Hague for confirming this painting to be an early work by Wouwerman.  However, the figure of the man is uncharacteristic of Wouwerman’s staffage, even at this early period, and appears to have been added by another hand.