Petrus van Schendel

Kunst-Passage C. van Waegeningh, Düsseldorf
Purchased by the grandparents of the present owner from the above circa 1971

The panel is in good and stable condition. Apart from a few minor scattered spots of retouching visible under UV light under an opaque varnish, notably in the pot in the lower left, below the leeks, and some spots at the extreme edges addressing frame rubbing, this work is in good condition, fresh, clean, and ready to hang. Held in a dark varnished Dutch style wood frame.
"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."

Petrus van Schendel studied at the Academy of Antwerp under the tutelage of Jan van Bree. Blending the romantic with the neo-classical, he specialised in nocturnal Dutch market scenes where he explored the subtle and theatrical effects of candle and lamplight on the human face and body. Van Schendel was clearly influenced by seventeenth century northern masters of light, collectively known as Utrecht Caravaggisti and who included Gerrit van Honthorst (1592-1656), Hendrick ter Brugghen (1588-1629) and Dirck van Baburen (1594/5-1624). The scene here, as in lot 207, is located in the Hague.