- 135
Théobald Michau
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description
- Théobald Michau
- Travellers and their herds departing from a village;Travellers unpacking their carts and entering a village
- the former signed lower left: T. Michau
the latter signed lower right: T. Michau - a pair, both oil on copper
Provenance
Private collection, England, from the 1950s;
Until sold, London, Christie's, 7 July 2004, lot 36, for £75,000;
With Rafael Valls Ltd., London;
From whom acquired by the present owner in 2005.
Until sold, London, Christie's, 7 July 2004, lot 36, for £75,000;
With Rafael Valls Ltd., London;
From whom acquired by the present owner in 2005.
Condition
Both copper panels are stable and have been recently cleaned and restored. The paint surface of both pictures are in excellent condition with only scattered minor retouchings.
"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
This finely preserved pair of coppers shows all the characteristics of Michau's very best works. The delicacy of their execution imbues the scenes with the softness of light and tone that distinguishes Michau from the work of his greatest influence, Jan Brueghel the Elder. Michau here combines the acutely observed atmospheric effects of a late afternoon sunlight, here permeating a gentle haze, with a busy narrative. The compositional formulae are, too, borrowed from Brueghel, and rely particularly on a series of diagonals along which a series of peasants, carts and horses make their way.