William Gowe Ferguson

Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Paul Brandt, 20 November 1973, lot 27.

The actual painting is more grey and softer and less red in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an effective wax relining. The paint surface is under a slightly dirty varnish. The paint surface has become a little flattened, but otherwise, is in good condition and no damages are apparent. A few tiny scattered retouchings are visible in the background. Inspection under UV light reveals additional tiny retouchings in the background and only very minimal strengthenings in the still life. Overall, in good condition. Offered in a plain wood frame in 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."

Although born in Scotland, Ferguson most likely trained in the Netherlands. In 1660 he is recorded in The Hague, and in 1682, he moved to Amsterdam where he married a Dutch woman. His paintings, mainly still lifes of dead game and fowl, clearly show the influence of Jan Weenix (1640/41-1719) and Cornelis van Lelienbergh (circa 1620-after 1676).

This painting appears to be one of the most exquisite still lifes in the artist's œuvre. The subtle light falling on the uneven plaster wall gives the composition a convincing sense of depth, projecting the meticulously rendered birds beyond the picture plane towards the viewer. Two other game still lifes, signed and dated, are in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (inv. nos. A1290 and A2154).¹

1. See P.J.J. van Thiel et al., Alle Schilderijen van het Rijksmuseum te Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1976, p. 226.