Johann Baptist Lampi the Younger

Ignatz Pick, Vienna;
Robert Grehs, Vienna (appointed Nazi administrator of Ignatz Pick's property, December 23, 1938);
Wien Museum (acquired from the above April 1939 for RM 2.500);
Restituted to the heir of Ignatz Pick, 2008.

Portrait of Anton von Leeb: Unlined and under a slightly yellowed varnish. there is excellent retention of the paint surface with lovely detail and nice, thick impasto in the gold braiding of his costume. there are two small repaired holes in background at center right and a few minor scuffs at corners from rubbing of the frame. ultraviolet light reveals scattered small retouches and inpaints to craquelure in upper background and center right background, including retouching over the aforementioned punctures. there are some small retouches over right eye area, on a small scratch above mouth and a few to right edge of hair. otherwise, just a few retouches to corners and one or two to costume. Framed as an oval in a carved and gilt wood frame with some cracks and small chips Portrait of Theresia von Leeb: Unlined. excellent retention of the paint surface. craquelure pattern is visible to naked eye in flesh tones and white dress, but this is not too distracting. there is an area of paint lifting at lower center on her gown which should be attended to. ultraviolet light shows a couple of small retouches on either side of red shawl and retouching over the area already mentioned where paint is lifting. Framed as an oval with nicks to the gilding.
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.

The present pair of portraits depicts Anton Josef Edler von Leeb and his wife, Thersia von Leeb. Anton served as mayor of Vienna from 1835-1837, during which time he oversaw a number of important projects: improvement of the water supply in Vienna (in 1835 the building the "Kaiser-Ferdinands- Waterpipe" began), the establishment of the first product exhibition (what would be considered a modern day art fair), and in 1837, the completion of the first steam train trip from Florisdorf to Deutsch-Wagram. As a revered public servant, Leeb's remains were moved to the avenue of famous people's graves at the central cemetery (Zentralfriedhof) in 1885. Not much is known of Leeb's wife, Thereisa, other than that she was born into a noble family in 1775 as Theresia Freiin von Henneberg and died 1846. Town hall records indicate that the two were married in St. Stephan's Cathedral in Vienna in 1795.