Lot 41
  • 41

Willem van Odekercken Nijmegen circa 1610 - 1677

bidding is closed

Description

  • Willem van Odekercken
  • A lady cleaning fish, standing at a table with a copper bowl with apples, copper pans and a small dish with herbs
  • oil on panel

Condition

The actual painting is a bit warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of three planks, joined horizontally and is cradled. The joints are visible to the front and have been retouched. The paint surface is somewhat thin, especially in the maiden's costume and in the table cloth. A slight surface crack is visible along the upper and bottom edge and seems to be filled and restored. Discoloured retouchings and strengthening is visible to the naked eye, especially in the maid's blue skirt and white top. The still life of the pots and pans are still nicely preserved. The paint surface is covered under a glossy and discoloured varnish layer. UV-light is partially obstructed by the varnish layer, but confirms abovementioned retouchings and reveals additional retouchings in the face and hands of the maid. The varnish seems to be unevenly cleaned. Offered in a plain wood frame, with a few damages along the edges. (JD)
"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

Willem van Odekercken, who was active in The Hague, and from 1643 in Delft, is known for both his genre pieces and still-life paintings. Many of his compositions, like this painting, are formed by one main figure  - often a kitchen-maid - doing domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning or spinning. His best compositions are noted for their counterplay of light and dark. The detailed rendering of crockery, pots and pans closely approach his best still-life paintings. A particularly interesting object is the well painted detailed silver bucket with the decorative brim, which relates to a kitchen still life sold in these Rooms, 8 May 2007, lot 91, which had an old attribution to Willem van Odekercken, but was rightfully deattributed by Fred G. Meijer.