- 69
Circle of Michael Sweerts
bidding is closed
Description
- Michael Sweerts
- an elderly man singing together with two young boys, one playing the flute
- bears initials centre right: NVH (in ligature)
- oil on canvas, unlined
Provenance
Sold, New York, Parke Bernet Galleries, date unknown, as 'Nicolaes van Haeften' (according to labels on the reverse).
Condition
The catalogue illustration is a bit warmer in tone. The painting is relined (glue). Some frame abrasion is visible along the upper edge, not shown in the catalogue illustration. The paint surface is flattened and under a fine and dense craquelure pattern. A bit of thiness can be observed in the foreground, as well as minor retouching in the upper centre. The thick and glossy varnish layer is slightly discoloured.
Inspection under UV-light reveals minor strengthening and retouching in the man's face and left shoulder, in the boys' hair and coats, and along the sheet. Offered in a ornate, carved and gilt wood frame, in fair condition.(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."
"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
Despite its long-standing attribution to Nicolaes van Haeften (1663-1715), presumably due to the initials centre right, this small canvas, which bears no marked resemblance to the works of Van Haeften (nor indeed to those of his illustrious descendant) is much more likely to have been painted by an artist working in the circle of Michael Sweerts, of whose paintings it is strongly reminiscent. The lighting of the head of the elderly man, for example, recalls Sweerts' handling in paintings such as An Old Beggar, in the Hohenbuchau Collection.1
1.See G. Jansen and P. Sutton, Michael Sweerts (1618-1664), exhibition catalogue, Zwolle 2002, p. 15, fig. 8.