MANNER OF FERDINAND BOL | Portrait of a man

oil on canvas, unlined, unframed This portrait is a later copy most probably after an as yet unidentified Dutch 17th-century prototype by an artist such as Ferdinand Bol or a painter in his orbit. Portraiture flourished in the Netherlands during the Golden Age as both the bourgeoisie and the rising mercantile class were able to commission their own and others' likenesses. This man's sober black attire, skullcap and simple, flat collar possibly mark him out as some kind of scholar. The work would appear to emulate a painting dating most probably to the mid-17th century.

M. Frederic Maurice;
And by descent to his heirs.

All paintings available to view at the Sotheby’s Greenford Park warehouse, 5 - 7 and 10 – 13 September (10 - 4pm), by appointment. The canvas is unlined and quite loose, there are pin prick losses around all four margins, the paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish thick and only slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals restoration to a damage upper left 3 x 3 cm., another small retouching in the background to the right of his head, in his forehead above his proper left eye 1 x 2 cm., and small strengthenings in the black of his coat.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.