Franz de Paula Ferg Vienna 1689 - 1740 London

Andrea Busiri Vici collection, Rome.

The painting is slightly less contrasted than it appears in the catalogue illustration but the colours are quite representative. The copper support is flat and the paint surface is stable. The painting is slightly dirty and the varnish discoloured. The paint surface is not at all worn and appears in very good condition. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals very minor spot retouchings scattered in a few places, concentrated particularly in the lower right corner and a retouched 1cm. scratch lower centre. Overall the painting is in good condition and will benefit from cleaning. The elaborate carved and gilt wood frame has superficial knocks and damages but is generally sound.
"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."

As many of his contemporaries, Frans de Paula Ferg was strongly influenced by Dutch landscape painters of the 17th century, such as Herman Saftleven (1609-1685) and, in this painting, Philips Wouwerman (1619-1668). He successfully translated the examples of his famous predecessors into his own more elegant and international style. Two further known versions of this composition are known, both of which were offered in these Rooms: a signed one on 7 March 2007, lot 95; and an unsigned one on 8 April 1981, lot 116.