Attributed to Cornelis de Baellieur the Elder

Bought in Maastricht by General Hubert Stuers, in 1853;
Thence by descent to Emil de Stuers (1861-1892);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 26 November 1965, lot 21 (as by Frans Francken II).

Arnhem, Gemeente Museum, no. 175, as 'anonymous', on loan from Mevr. C... de Stuers (according to a label on the reverse).

V. de Stuers Catalogue, 1898;
Manuscript Catalogue, 1915, no. 247.

The actual painting is warmer and less blue in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of 3 planks, joined horizontally, and is lightly bevelled on the left side. The panel has a slight curvature. A few paint losses are visible along the joins to the left and right. Otherwise, no damages are apparent, and the paint layer is in good condition. The paint surface is under a very dirty and glossy layer of varnish. Minor strengthening can be observed in the figures, but inspection under Ultra-Violet light is impeded by the dirty varnish layer. Offered in a decorative gilt plaster and wood frame, in good condition. (MW)
"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 subject is taken from Mark 14:66-72. The composition probably derives from an original by Frans Francken the Younger (1581-1642), possibly that sold, New York, Sotheby's, 7 June 1978, lot 47. The composition was repeated on two occasions by Cornelis de Baellieur. An autograph version on copper was sold in these Rooms, 2 June 1986, lot 66, and the present lot. De Baellieur was indeed influenced by Frans Francken the Younger, but, as this work shows, his colours are often harder, his forms more round and his physiognomies less refined.¹

1. See for example Christ and the woman taken in adultery by De Baellieur in the Herzog-Anton-Ulrich Museum, Brunswick, reproduced in J. de Maere and M. Wabbes, Illustrated Dictionary of 17th Century Flemish Painters, Brussels 1994, vol. II, p. 50.