Abraham Willaerts

The panel is uncradled and slightly bowed from top to bottom. Overall the paint surface has been well preserved and there is very good detail in the figure. Examination under UV light reveals retouching all along the upper edge, including the top of figure's head. There is an area of retouching on left forehead, a few very small retouches to the lower face, and a few tiny ones in costume lower left. These have been well applied and there is no need for further work. Offered in a faux ebony 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Engraved: Coenraet Waumans (Antwerp 1619-?), 1649 

The attribution of this finely executed grisaille is recorded as early as 1668, when Willaerts' authorship was recognized by the image's engraver, Coenraet Waumans. Willaerts is best known for his marines, which are stylistically close to those of his father Adam, though he also painted several portraits of prominent figures, both single figures and family groups.¹ Grisaille portraits such as this were used as preparatory oil sketches meant to guide engravers in their practice as they provided clear direction for the use of monochromatic light and shade. This particular practice is perhaps best known through Anthony van Dyck's Iconographie series.

1.  See for example a Family Portrait, signed and dated 1660, in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (inv. no. 534); a Family Portrait near a harbour, signed and dated 1650, in Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes, Valenciennes (inv. no. P.46.1.173); a Portrait of a man, signed and dated 1644, in Centraal Museum, Utrecht (inv. no. 6864); and the Portrait of Witte Cornelisz. De With (1599-1658), in a private collection (see R.K.D., The Hague).