- 196
Circle of Maria Sibylla Merian
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Maria Sibylla Merian
- a snake
- beard illegible inscription in red chalk, lower right corner
gouache over black chalk
Provenance
Bachofen-Merian Collection (according to 1967 sale catalogue);
sale, London, Christie's, 18 April 1967, lot 33 (as 'Marie Sibylle Merian'), puchased at that sale by the present owner
sale, London, Christie's, 18 April 1967, lot 33 (as 'Marie Sibylle Merian'), puchased at that sale by the present owner
Condition
Slight thin areas in the corners. Paper a little discoloured throughout. Some minor losses in areas of darkest pigments, especially towards right. Small horizontal scratch towards bottom centre. Otherwise reasonably good and fresh. Unframed.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
It seems that the snake depicted is a species from Surinam, so this gouache may well derive from a study made by Maria Sibylla Merian during the famous voyages that she undertook with her daughter, in the last years of the 17th century.