Frits Thaulow Norwegian 1847-1906

There are some retouchings, visible under ultraviolet light, to the second red roof from the left, the circular window along from this and further spots to the central chimney. Some of the colours on the ducks have been slightly heightened. Apart from a line towards the lower right corner where the canvas has been slightly scuffed (visible on close inspection) and the slightly undulating canvas, this work is in good condition. Held in a plaster moulded gilt 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. 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."

Thaulow stayed in La Panne, a popular bathing resort on the Normandy coast, in the summer of 1905. He had bought a car and he and his wife enjoyed touring the area 'at 30 kilometres per hour'. As recorded in a letter from his wife to their friend the painter Erik Werenskiold at the time: 'We have made a lot of enjoyable trips with it [the car] in Northern Europe this summer (letter dated 'La Panne 26/8/1905 in the National Library, Oslo; Letter coll. 98).

According to Vidar Poulsson the present work belongs to a small group of similar works from about 1905-06, although Poulsson is of the opinion that there is no such bridge at La Panne, and that the view itself may thus be a capriccio.

We are grateful to Vidar Poulsson for confirming the authenticity of this work from a photograph and for his assistance in its cataloguing.