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Lot 64
  • 64

Nicolaes Maes

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 EUR
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Description

  • Nicolaes Maes
  • Portrait of a lady, half-length, standing in a landscape
  • signed lower right: MAES
  • oil on canvas

Provenance

Baron von Oppenheim family, by whom acquired in the late 18th/early 19th Century;
Thence by descent to Senator Gustav Hertz, Hamburg, mid-19th Century;
Thence by descent to Dr. Carmen Hertz, Countess Finckenstein in 1952;
Thence by descent to the present owner in 1971.

Condition

The catalogue illustration is representative for the actual painting. The canvas appears to be either unlined or very thinly relined and has been coated with glue on reverse. The paint surface is a bit dry and under a dull, old varnish. The figure is very well preserved with very good retention of detail in costume, flesh tones and hair. There has been some sinking of the dark pigments of the background areas. Inspection under UV light reveals some older retouches in the upper background, upper left corner, upper centre and scattered smaller ones at upper right quadrant. A few others can be seen at the bottom. On the figure, there are very small retouches to her forehead, left cheek, a few on the chest and hand. These are small and some are inpaints of craquelure. Overall, the figure looks good. The painting would benefit from a light cleaning and fresh varnish. In a plain gilt wood frame with some nicks and discoloration of the gold.
"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

We are grateful to León Krempel for confirming the attribution on the basis of a photograph. He dates this painting to circa 1680. While in the Hertz family collection, the sitter was traditionally thought to be either Catherine of Braganza or Nell Gwynn.