Jan Tilius

Jhr. Mr. W.M. de Brauw, Middelburg, by 1905;
Thence by descent.

E.W. Moes, Iconographia Batava, vol. II, Amsterdam 1905, p. 329, no. 6792 (as anonymous).

The actual painting is less red and more subdued in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old stable relining. The paint surface is under a very dirty and discoloured layer of varnish and its removal would improve the tonality of the painting significantly. There's a fine craquelure throughout, and there's a minor tendency towards flaking. There are a few flecks of paint loss to the lower centre, the upper right, upper centre left and in and above the plumed hat. Otherwise, the paint surface is well preserved and untouched. No retouchings are apparent. Inspection under UV light remains inconclusive due to the dirty varnish. Offered in a plain ebonised black wood frame with a gilt fillet and some minor damages.
"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."

Isabella de Savornin was the daughter of Maurits de Savornin, commander of Bergen op Zoom. In 1685 she married Cornelis de Brauw (1664-1728), bailif and supreme dijkgraaf of the cities of Dreischor, Zonnemaire and Noordgouwe, in the province of Zeeland.

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the R.K.D., The Hague, for confirming the attribution to Tilius, on the basis of photographs.