Michiel van Musscher

A. Hope sale, June 30, 1894, no. 45;
With Gebroeders Douwes, Amsterdam, 1928;
W. J. R. Dreesmann, Amsterdam;
His sale, Amsterdam (Muller), March 22-25 1960, no. 8, ill.;
With Auke van der Werff BV, Amsterdam, 1999;
There acquired by the present collector.

Verzameling Amsterdam W. J. R. Dreesmann, 3 vols., Amsterdam 1942-51, vol. 1 (1942), p. 9, ill., p. 62, reproduced in colour;
I. J. Brugmans (ed.), Geschiedenis van Amsterdam, 6 vols., Utrecht 1972/73, vol. 5, p. 95.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This panel has been cradled on the reverse. It was originally made from two sections of wood with a join running through the side of the face of the older woman. The paint layer is most likely clean. Retouches are visible under ultraviolet light in the sky diminishing the wood grain where it has become visible. There are also a few restorations which have been attracted to the join in the panel yet in the figure group and in the darker colors of the foreground and the city beyond to the right, the condition seems to be excellent and there appear to be no notable restorations. Although it is conceivable that if the picture were to be cleaned, a few tiny dots of retouch would be revealed, for instance around the head of the dog, it is unlikely and overall the condition is very good.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Michiel van Musscher received his eclectic art training in Amsterdam from several renowned and well-established Dutch artists including Martinus Zaagmolen, Abraham van den Tempel, Gabriel Metsu and Adriaen van Ostade. After completing his studies, he lived briefly in Rotterdam before returning permanently to Amsterdam, where he became a citizen in 1688.

 

Dated 1669, this picture was completed as Musscher was beginning to lose interest in genre scenes and focus his attention on the stylized, elegant portraits that were characteristic of his later years. In this scene, a maid and a merchant woman stand on the Eehnoornsluis (Unicorn Lock) in Amsterdam, one of the many bridges across the Princegracht canal. The view faces south, towards the Westerkerk. This Protestant church, built in 1620 - 1631, is arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in Amsterdam and one that was lionized by many Dutch artists of the day. One of Jan van der Heyden's most famous works, View of the Westerkerk, Amsterdam, currently in the Wallace Collection, London, also features the church, though from a different view.