Lot 118
  • 118

Follower of Adriaen van Utrecht

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Adriaen van Utrecht
  • A still life with a peacock, a turkey and various other birds in a landscape
  • oil on canvas, irregular shape, in a carved and gilt wood frame

Condition

The painting is crisper, more colourful and slightly less 'muddy' in appearance. The canvas has a relatively old relining. The paint surface has been a little flattened by the relining and appears rather worn in some of the darker tones and shadows. Two horizontal canvas joins are visible at the top of the painting and these are because two horizontal strips of canvas (each measuring approx. 18 cm. in width) were attached to the original edge that ran 10 cm. above the top of the peacock's tail. Two further additions are visible lower left and lower right, below the chicks and the hens. Given that the painting is based on a rectangular original (see note) it seems reasonable to assume that the canvas was originally rectangular and was substantially reduced at the right edge, cut to the shape of the frame, and extended along the top and bottom edges to fill the gaps created by the frame's undulating form. The paint on the upper part of the wall, foliage and lighter grey sky where these strips of canvas were added is not original and is visibly different from the rest of the painting. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals scattered retouchings throughout, but especially strengthenings to most of the shadows and darker pigments on the birds; in particular on the turkey's body and in its shadow to the right, and on the peacock's head and neck as well as on some of his feathers. A couple of small repaired vertical tears are visible on the mallard lower centre (each measuring 4 cm.), and another repaired vertical tear occurs on the wall centre right (15 cm.). There are three significant repaired holes: two in the sky centre left (8 by 6 cm. and 9 by 7 cm.) and another in the centre of the wall, above the peacock (5 by 4 cm.). Despite certain areas of wear in the darker tones, the lighter birds and highlights are fairly well preserved and the painting could be hung as is. The rococo-style carved and gilt wood frame has numerous chips and damages throughout and has some crude repairs (certain parts that broke off have been visibly reattached) as well as some regilding, but on the whole the frame is in reasonable condition for something this ornate and is structurally 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."

Catalogue Note

A 17th century copy after Van Utrecht's original, further extended to the right, in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (inv. no. MI. 932).