Wouterus Verschuur

Richard Green, London
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, December 5, 2002, lot 40, illustrated
Acquired at the above sale by the present owner

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This painting has been lined, most likely in the middle of the twentieth century. More recently a small break in the canvas has been made which is situated in the back of the neck of the grey horse. Other than this, the lining nicely stabilizes the surface. There are hardly any restorations visible either under ultraviolet light or to the naked eye. It seems more than likely that the only restoration addresses the aforementioned damage in the top of the neck of the grey horse. The varnish could be freshened slightly, but the picture could also be hung as is.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Verschuur began his successful career as a student of the landscape and cattle painters Pieter Geradus van Os and Cornelis Steffelaar. His talents were recognized early on, and in 1831 and 1832, he won two gold medals for competition entries at the Felix Meritis Society in Amsterdam. 

Verschuur's favorite subject was the horse, and he excelled at depicting stable interiors as well as animals in pastoral settings. The present work brilliantly illustrates the artist's technical mastery and versatility, as well as sensitivity in rendering animals.  Verschuur was influenced by the works of Philips Wouwerman, one of the most accomplished Dutch seventeenth century equine painters.