JOHANN ZICK | Saint Peter healing the sick with his shadow in Jerusalem

oil on canvas

Freiherr von Kühlmann-Stumm, Schloss Ramholz, acquired in the 1930s;
Thence by descent until anonymously sold ("Property from the Collection of a Nobleman"), London, Sotheby's, 9 July 1998, lot 331 (as Januarius Zick with lot 3 as a pendant);
There acquired by the present collector.

Canvas is wax lined and the paint has thinned as a result. Some minor craquelure throughout, which appears to be stable and has some associated scattered spots of strengthening to small losses, like on the architectural structure at top right. Some spots of discolored retouches are scattered on the foreground, such as on the standing figures at far right, and figure holding the robe at center. Little spots of discolored strengthening to the background are at center, on the architectural structure. The varnish fluoresces unevenly, though further spots of retouches are here and there, like in the shadows along the left edge. Offered in a black and gold painted, and elaborately carved wooden frame.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Johann Zick, a Baroque German painter, was the father of Januarius Zick (1730-1797), an important master of the Late Baroque. This painting is of very high quality, given that in 1753 he was producing among his finest works, possibly even in competition with those of his son. Therefore it comes as no surprise that this painting was thought to be by his son when originally offered at auction with its signed pendant.¹ The present lot depicts scenes from Acts 5:15-16 from the bible in which Saint Peter heals the sick in Jerusalem. The figure of Saint Peter is depicted through the central figure holding the key in a grandeur, yet dynamic pose that was typical for Baroque artists.

We are grateful to Dr. Josef Strasser for endorsing the attribution on the basis of images.

1. See Provenance. Also see lot 3.