Willem Roelofs

Sale The Hague (Pulchri Studio), Atelier Willem Roelofs, 1-7 February 1898
Private collection, United States

Utrecht, Genootschap Kunstliefde, Ledententoonstelling, 1868

M. van Heteren, R-J. te Rijdt, Willem Roelofs 1822-1897. De adem der natuur, Bussum 2006, p. 54

Original canvas. Very fine craquelure to the sky. This work would benefit from cleaning, otherwise in good condition.
"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."

Already in 1857, Willem Roelofs visited the village Meerkerk in the Alblasserwaard, attracted by the beautiful canals and polders. From that moment on the village and its surroundings often return in his work. He exhibited one of these paintings in 1865. Only three years later, in April 1868, he wrote to P. Ver Loren van Themaat, secretary-treasurer of the Utrecht society 'Kunstliefde', that he just finished a large view of the village Meerkerk, with - as he describes - the roofs of the houses 'bathing in sunlight'. In his letter to Ver Loren van Themaat Roelofs describes how he first painted a small oil sketch en plein air, which served as the basis for a larger and more 'finished' painting which he executed in his studio. This larger, finished painting is most probably the present lot, which has been rediscovered in a private collection in the United States.