Circle of Pieter Hardimé

With Sir Joseph Duveen, London and New York;
Acquired by the family of the present owner in the 1920s.

The original is cooler in tone than as shown in the catalogue illustration. The canvas has been quite recently relined and the relining is still sound. The painting has been quite recently cleaned restored and re-varnished, probably during the middle of the 20th century. the paint surface is in fair condition, although there are some localised areas of wear. The original canvas has been extended at both the upper and lower edges, the joins are not straight and the extensions approx. 6cm in width. There is a part restored horizontal split to the canvas centre right. There is a small tear towards the upper left (1.5 cm). The upper background has been extensively strengthened and there are localised areas of retouching, for example to the pink rose left of centre of the arrangement. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals is mostly masked by the discoloured varnish but does reveal some further scattered retouchings throughout. Sold with a decorative gilt wood frame, in good condition, minor losses.
"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."

Joseph Duveen (1869-1939) was one of the most successful art dealers to have ever lived. He forged a highly successful and lucrative career in the art trade exporting objects from Europe to America. He once quipped that he was successful because  "Europe has a great deal of art, and America has a great deal of money". He was instrumental in creating the Frick collection in New York and the Mellon and Kress collections in Washington. The works he exported to this day make up the core of American Museum collections.