- 752
Willem van Mieris
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Willem van Mieris
- Portrait of Willem Cornelisz. Backer (1656-1731), bust-length
- signed and dated upper left: We. Van/ Mieris. Fe t 1688.
- oil on panel, oval
Provenance
Allard de la Court van der Voort (1688-1755), Leiden;
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie’s, 21 May 1992, lot 4;
With Johnny van Haeften, London;
Acquired from the above by the late husband of the present owner.
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie’s, 21 May 1992, lot 4;
With Johnny van Haeften, London;
Acquired from the above by the late husband of the present owner.
Literature
C.W. Fock and R. Ekkart, 'De portretgalerij van de familie De la Court' in Jaarboek Centraal Bureau voor Genealogie, vol. 35, 1981, p. 200, cat. no.15;
Th.H. Lunsingh Scheurleer, C.W. Fock, A.J. van Dissel, Het Rapenburg. Geschiedenis van een Leidse gracht, vol. II, Leiden 1987, p. 457.
Condition
The colours are richer and there is more definition in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. On a flat stable oval panel. The paint surface is in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint. Examination under ultraviolet reveals a milky varnish and a small area of retouching upper right to the panel edge and then very minor flecks of scattered retouching down the grain of the wood in the background upper right and to a lesser extent the face. There is also some minor strengthening to the red drape on his shoulder and to his hair. Otherwise the picture is in good overall condition. Offered in a Dutch style dark wood oval frame in good overall condition.
"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
Allard de la Court van der Voort was married to the sitter's daughter Catherine Backer. The painting hung in the dining room, with other family portraits, and is described in Allard de la Court van der Voort's inventory of December 1749: "Schildereyen in de beneeden eetsaal aan de plaats sijnde familieportraitten: [...] 7 't portrait van Willem Backer Cornelisz. door Willem van Mieris geschildert ovaal [schoonvaader]. 5 1/2 d - 4 1/4 d".