Cornelis Springer

Goupil & Co., Paris, bought directly from the artist in April 1867 for Dfl. 450,-
Kunsthandel V. Spark, New York
Sale Amsterdam (Paul Brandt), 25 November 1969, lot 20
Kunsthandel P.A. Scheen, The Hague, 1971
Richard Green, London, 1994

Johan Gram, Elseviers Maandschrift XVII, volume 9, no. 3, p. 198
Pieter A. Scheen, Lexicon Nederlandse Beeldende Kunstenaars 1750-1880, The Hague 1981, ill. no. 106, illustrated in colour
W. Laanstra, H.C. de Bruijn, Dr. J.H.A. Ringeling, Cornelis Springer (1817-1891), Utrecht 1984, no. 67-6, illustrated full page in colour

 

Retouches along upper and upper left edge due to frame abrasion and some scattered tiny retouches in the sky. The townscape is untouched. In very good 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. 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."

With a label of authenitcity by the artist on the reverse, dated 29 April 1867

From the seventeenth century onwards, Dutch painting became famous for its detailed, picturesque town views. Originating in the work of Gerrit Berckheyde and Jan van der Heyden, the genre reached its highest degree of perfection in the magnificently detailed pictures of the nineteenth century artist Cornelis Springer. In his time, Springer's townscapes were so much in demand that he needed to draw up a waiting list that built up to at least two, three years. He was admired particularly for the masterful depiction of rich, ornate buildings and the lively staffage of his sunny town views.
Springer obviously benefited from the fact that he was raised in a family of carpenters and building contractors, mastering the principles of architectural drawing and perspective at an early age.

The present lot shows a street in Haarlem, close to the Walenkerk, with townsfolk doing their day to day activities. The masterful play of shaded and sunlit areas renders great depth to the scene. Springer painted this wonderfully composed work in 1867, at the height of his career.