- 11
Bartholomeus van Bassen
Description
- Bartholomeus van Bassen
- Interior of a Palace with Elegant Figures Dining (Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man)
- signed and dated lower right B. van Bassen/1624
- oil on panel
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The subject is from Luke 16:19-31 and tells the story of a rich man who feasted every day while a poor man, Lazarus, lay at his door starving and longing for the crumbs from his table. The dogs came and licked the sores that covered the poor man's body. Eventually both men died and Lazarus was carried to 'Abraham's bosom' while the rich man descended to Hades.
In this painting, the rich man is seen at far left wearing purple robes as described in Luke; Lazarus is seen at far left admonished by a servant carrying a stick and with two dogs licking his sores. Van Bassen painted this subject on several occasions, although always varying the composition. Another example, also dated 1624, is in the Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum, Hanover (on panel, 55.4 by 86.3 cm.).