Anthonie de Lorme

The painting overall is in lovely condition, presenting a strong, crisp and striking image and is ready to hang. The panel is flat and stable, comprising four horizontal boards. The paint surface is beautifully preserved. Inspection under UV is impeded a little by the varnish and there may be some strengthening in the darks of the vaulted ceiling. Otherwise it reveals only very minor retouches here and there, spots of retouching to the panel join upper left and a small area of retouching to the architecture in the pediment upper right. Offered in an elaborately carved gilt 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.

Anthonie de Lorme specialized in interior views of churches, a preoccupation that lasted throughout his lifetime.  The works from the early part of his career were characterized by realistic depictions of imagined views. However, at times he would add architectural elements to these imagined views that were borrowed from actual buildings.  Around 1650 de Lorme began producing more accurate depictions of churches, such as The Laurenskerk in Rotterdam at night (Warsaw, National Museum). This slight deviation in subject was perhaps a result of the growing influence of Delft painters such as Hendrick van Vliet, as well as that of Pieter Saenredam and his highly accurate and soaring church interiors. A consistent feature in his large scale compositions is the nocturnal setting that sets the mood in his soaring interiors. As with many of his works, here we find an elegantly dressed couple peering into a tomb in the floor of the church, while game players and passerbys meander within the cavernous space.