- 74
Johannes Leemans
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 EUR
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Description
- Johannes Leemans
- A trompe l'oeil hunting still life with a rifle, a bird in a cage, a hunting horn, a bird-whistle and other hunting gear
signed and indistinctly dated centre right: J. Leemans/ 16.2
- oil on canvas
Condition
The actual painting is warmer and less harsh in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined (wax). The paint surface seems to be in good condition, with no major damages apparent. The paint layer has a dense craquelure pattern, and has grown a bit dry, which has resulted in a tendency towards cupping. A few discoloured retouchings can be seen, e.g. along the right and lower edges and in the grey background. The paint surface is under a dirty varnish layer. Inspection under UV light reveals tiny scattered retouchings throughout, mainly in the background, following the craquelure pattern, and a somewhat larger area below the rifle along the right edge, as well as an unevenly cleaned varnish layer. Offered in a brown painted wooden frame, a few damages. (ML)
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The The Hague painter Johannes Leemans specialized in trompe l'oeil hunting still lifes, a genre that gained popularity in that city in the mid-17th Century, possibly due to its forest surroundings which were popular hunting-grounds.1
While Leemans' paintings show little change over the years, his compositions are almost never identical and inform us in great detail on hunting gear in the 17th Century. Although the third digit in the date of this work is illegible, all his still lifes can be dated in the period between 1664 and 1686.
1. See E. Buijsen, Haagse Schilders in de Gouden Eeuw, The Hague 1998, p. 37.