Jacob van Loo

William Drury Lowe (1803-1877), Locko Park, Derbyshire;
By descent to his son William Drury Nathaniel Lowe (1828-1906);
By descent to his grandson John D.B. Packe Drury-Lowe (1905-1960);
By whose descendants sold London, Sotheby's, 6 December 1995, lot 38 (as Jacob van Loo, for £26,000 to the present owner).

Birmingham, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Works of Art from Midland Houses, 1953, no. 104 (as Gerard de Lairesse);
Kingston-upon-Hull, Ferens Art Gallery, Dutch Painting of the 17th century, 1961, no. 57 (as Gerard de Lairesse);
Nottingham, Nottingham University Art Gallery, Locko Park and the Drury Lowes, 1982, no. 38 (as Gerard de Lairesse).

J.P. Richter, Catalogue of Pictures at Locko Park, London 1901, no. 123 (as Gerard de Lairesse);
D. Mandrella, Jacob van Loo, Paris 2011, p. 180, no. P.104, reproduced, also p. 213, under no. PM.185 (as Jacob van Loo).

The paintng is a little more muted in the highlights than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas has been relined and the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition, although it is slightly thin in the lighter pigments as a result of the relining. There is an old uneven thin, but now stabilised craquelure overall which has resulted in some old scattered flakes of paint loss at the hem of the boy's dress as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is also a minor abrasion measuring approx. 1/2 in. in diameter in the lower left. There is a yellow varnish and surface dirt overall. Examination under ultraviolet reveals some scattered minor areas of retouching but the thick milky varnish makes it impossible to see what is underneath. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster frame with minor losses.
"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."

Traditionally ascribed to Gerard de Lairesse, the correct attribution was first made in 1970 by S.J. Gudlaugsson on the basis of photographs, and at the time of the 1995 sale, endorsed by Fred G. Meijer and Rudi Ekkart.

Mandrella mentions in connection with this picture a lost smaller portrait on canvas of Johannes Reiniers as an Infant, lavishly attired in silks and accompanied by his dog, signed by Van Loo, and to judge from its description in a 1906 sale catalogue, as opulent and colourful as the present work.¹

1.  See Mandrella under literature.