Pieter Pietersz. Barbiers Amsterdam 1749 - 1842

Louis Durr (1821-1880), New York;
The collection of the New-York Historical Society;
Their sale, New York, Sotheby's, 12 January 1995, lot 120.

Catalogue of the Gallery of the New York Historical Society, New York 1915, p. 116, no. D-155.

The actual painting is warmer in tone and shows more detail in the darker parts than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has firm relining. The paint surface has somewhat flattened in places, due to the relining, e.g. in the sky, but otherwise the paint surface seems to be in good condition. Particularly the brushwork in the foliage has been very nicely preserved. The craquelure pattern is rather coarse and varies in places. Some of the cracks to the background in the sky have been retouched. More discoloured retouches can be observed in the upper right corner, and along the upper edge. The paint surface is under a dull and rather dirty layer of varnish. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms the retouchings as mentioned above and reveals additional small retouchings along the outer edges. Offered unframed. (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."

Pieter Pietersz. Barbiers, who painted several ensembles of wall decorations, such as for a room at the Haarlem City Archives, was mainly active as a painter and draughtsman of landscapes. He predominantly painted views of Drenthe, Brabant and surroundings of Haarlem. Many drawings and watercolours, landscapes as well as studies for birds and animals have been preserved. Barbiers is often called the 'Drenthse Hobbema', because his motifs and compositions are greatly indebted to his well-known predecessor. Like Meindert Hobbema, Barbiers painted wooded scenes with houses, sandy or muddy roads with additional staffage. Even more reminiscent of Hobbema are the finely painted imposing trees with their compact contours, as well as the type of landscape: this woodland scene shows a rather dense and closed off forest to the left, and an extensive, hilly view on the right, which draws the viewer into the composition.