Johan Christian Dahl

Sale: Blomqvist, Oslo, May 1933, lot 120b
Olaf Hanssen, Oslo (acquired in 1937)
Acquired by the present owner circa 1980

Oslo, Kunstnernes Hus, 1937, no. 70
Oslo, Nasjonalgalleriet; Copenhagen, Statens Museum for Kunst, J.C. Dahl og Danmark, 1973, no. 13A

Kunst og Kultur, no. 3, Oslo, 1957, p. 139, illustrated
Leif Østby, 'J. C. Dahls Danske Lærerår,' Kunstmuseets Årsskrift, 1974, p. 24, illustrated
Marie Lødrup Bang, Johan Christian Dahl 1788-1857.  Life and Works, Oslo, 1987, vol. 1, pp. 167-168 & p. 222, discussed; vol. 2, p. 57, no. 85, catalogued; vol. 3, pl. 40, no. 85, illustrated 

This condition report has been provided by Hamish Dewar, Hamish Dewar Ltd. Fine Art Conservation, 14 Masons Yard, Duke Street, St James's, London SW1Y 6BU. Structural Condition The canvas is unlined on what would appear to be the original stretcher. There are slightly raised stretcher-bar lines and raised craquelure (particularly in the upper left corner) but these lines are safe and secure and, at present, no structural work is required. Paint Surface The paint surface has an even varnish layer and under ultra-violet light the impression of a large, standing dog is clearly visible. This is not visible in natural light (except for the faintest indentation under a strong raking light) and would appear to be retouching covering pentimenti from an earlier composition beneath the upper paint layers. Apart from the extensive retouching covering the outline of the standing dog there are a few other small scattered spots and lines of inpainting. Summary The painting is therefore in stable condition but does have quite extensive inpainting covering what appears to be pentimenti from the artist's alterations.
"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."

According to Leif Østby (but disputed by Bang), the present work was one of thirteen landscapes that Dahl exhibited at the annual Academy exhibition in Copenhagen in 1815, an exhibition that brought him considerable acclaim, and established his reputation as a young landscape painter of great promise. Dahl left the Academy two years later to embark on his Grand Tour of the major cultural sites of Europe. His first stop was Dresden, a city that would shape his future career.