THEO VAN HOYTEMA, komodo lizards circa 1890's or later

signed with the monogram

watercolour, red crayon and black charcoal on dark blue paper

K. Sanders, The Hague

Exhib. cat. Den Haag 1999, p. 12

One vertical folding line in the middle section of the paper, overall a few finger - shaped creases, four restored tears; one at the upper right corner, one along the upper edge and two along the left edge, one spot of discolouration of approximately 2,5 cm. at the upper left corner
"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."

This study of Komodo lizards was probably made in Artis, the Amsterdam city Zoo. The various artists working in the zoo became friends with the keepers, who gave them the opportunity to observe the animals up close. In a note from 1914, one of the keepers writes to Van Hoytema that he should come and see 'a beautiful Orang-Utan quartered in with ten Komodo lizards which she regards as her private toys'