Helene Schjerfbeck

In the family of the current owners since circa the 1900s

Helsinki, Kunsthalle, Helene Schjerfbeck Memorial Exhibition, 1954, no. 4 (as Sillalla – På bryggan)

H. Ahtela (Einar Reuter), Helene Schjerfbeck, Stockholm, 1953, p. 356, no. 63, listed (as Flaggan hissas, 'c. 1880')

The canvas has not been lined. The work is in good, virtually original condition , with no visible signs of retouching under ultra-violet light. There appears to be some light rubbing primarily towards the centre of the left framing edge (not visible in the catalogue illustration), and faintly in thin lines parallel to the left edge. There are some scattered, faint lines of craquelure which appear to be stable, and the canvas is slightly undulated in the upper-left quadrant, which could likely be addressed with retensioning. Presented in a simple gilt frame, with some scattered gilding losses. The colours are less warm than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The present work was painted in 1879, the year Schjerfbeck completed her studies under Adolf von Becker in Helsinki, and exhibited for the first time with the Finnish Fine Arts Society. Although distinct from the radical new departures her art would later take, this early work reflects Schjerfbeck's interest in contrasts (here between the generations), and her love of Finland's coasts. Although there is unlikely to have been a direct influence, the composition also brings to mind the Danish Golden Age painters from earlier in the century, notably Christen Købke (fig. 1).

A small study for the present work, in india ink and watercolour, is in a private collection.