- 282
Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description
- Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt
- Double portrait of a husband and wife, he holding a tulip and bulb, a selection of shells on the shelf below
signed lower left (partly strengthened): M.J. Miere...lt and inscribed and dated upper left: AE...tis 3(9?)/1609 (AE in compendium)
- oil on panel
Condition
The panel is flat, stable, and comprised of three pieces of wood brought together by two vertical joins. This double portrait presents a strong image to the naked eye. The skin tones and white collars appear to have darkened and flattened somewhat, more so in the collars than in the flesh tones though. UV light reveals retouching along both panel joins. The ladies collar has extensive retouching, and her face has some retouching as well, notably a larger patch in her forehead. The gentleman also has retouching in the face, though no major losses. The hands are in good condition, and only show a couple small retouches. The blacks throughout have sunken a little and under UV any retouches are difficult to decipher. Despite the retouches, they appear to have been applied well, especially in the flesh tones, as they do not appear severe to the naked eye. In a carved wooden frame with a gilt liner.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Tulips were highly prized in 17th century Holland and were symbols of prosperity. While the tulip and tulip bulb depicted in this double portrait certainly allude to the sitters' wealth, they may also allude to the brevity of life. The tulip flower emerges from the bulb, is briefly in bloom and dies. The empty shells on the table are an additional symbol of departed life. Given these symbols, it is possible that this is a commemorative portrait commissioned by one of the sitters, probably the husband, after the death of the other.