Attributed to Mattheus Terwesten

The canvas has been extended from an oval in all four corners and has been relined. The paint surfcae, however, has not been overly flattened and is stable under a very dirty varnish. There are some scattered restored damages and inspection under UV light reveals scattered retouchings and strengthenings. Some more extensive areas in the background appear to have been repainted. The painting is overall in reasonable condition and would benefit from a clean. Offered unframed.
"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."

The present painting depicts Jupiter courting Venus whilst his jealous wife Hera watches from behind the cloud. Trained by his older brother Augustinus Terwesten, Mattheus's choice of subject is similar to the elegant mythological scenes his brother was painting in Berlin at the court of Frederick III, Elector of Brandenburg, later Frederick I of Prussia. For a complete survey of Mattheus's works as a decorative painter see C.J.A. Wansink, "De decoratieve schilderkunst van Mattheus Terwesten, een Haagse meester uit de achttiende eeuw", in Oud Holland, vol. 104, 1990, pp. 270-292.