Lot 72
  • 72

Jan de Bondt Active in Utrecht 1639 - 1653

bidding is closed

Description

  • Jan de Bondt
  • A beach scene with fishermen unloading the catch, two horsemen conversing to the left
  • signed and dated lower left (strengthened): Bout 164(?)8
  • oil on canvas

Condition

The actual painting is warmer in tone and shows more detail in the darker parts than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a rather firm relining. The paint surface has grown slightly thin throughout, mainly in the lighter tones in the background and in the blue tones. Stretcher marks are slightly visible in the upper left corner. Discoloured retouches can be observed along the right edge, in the sails of the boats in the background, and in the hills, as well as some minor strenghtening in the figures and fish in the foreground. The paint surface is covered with a dirty and discoloured layer of varnish, as well as under a fine layer of dirt. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms the retouchings as mentioned above, and reveals additional tiny retouches in the horse. Offered in a gilt wood frame with a few tiny losses, but otherwise in good condition. (MW)
"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

The relatively unknown fish still life painter Jan de Bondt was born in Schoonhoven, but has been recorded to be active in Utrecht until his death in 1653. Fish still lifes done in Utrecht at that time, usually followed examples of  Willem Ormea (before 1611-1673) with backgrounds of someone of the Willaerts family. Although De Bondt's still lifes usually show a more intimate composition, the present work gives a more distant view. This indeed can be derived from his townsman Isaac Willaerts (circa 1620-1693).1

A closely related work attributed to De Bondt, which was sold, New York, Christie's 14 January 1993, lot 79, shows a similar type of still life in the foreground.

1. See L.M. Helmus (ed.), Fish. Still lifes by Dutch and Flemish masters 1550-1700, exhibition catalogue, Utrecht 2004, p. 273.