Franz Stieberich Active in Germany circa 1776

The canvas has been relined, the paint surface is stable and dirty, and the varnish is slightly discoloured. There is a faint stretcher mark and some craquelure is more pronounced at the edges of the canvas. There are lines of discoloured restoration, about 1 - 2cm. wide, along the upper and lower margins of the painting. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals restoration to a patch in the horizon to the right of the tower and in the base of the tower. There are other scattered retouchings to the landscape on the left, and in the sky just to the right of the tower where there have previously been some small losses. Offered in a plain gilt and painted wood frame.
"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."

Due to an old inscription on the reverse of the canvas, this painting has been previously identified as representing the Tower of Nanjing. However, it seems likely that the present composition is derived from an anonymous engraving of the Tower of Babel published in Cologne in 1628.¹

 

1. See H. Minkowski, Vermutungen überden Turm zu Babel, Luca 1991, p. 229, cat. no. 423, reproduced p. 228.