Petrus van Schendel

W.C.A. von Weckherlin, purchased from the artist (von Weckherlin, 1807-1872, was the secretary to Sophie of Württemberg, wife of King Willem III of The Netherlands, and Queen of the Netherlands 1849-1877. Schendel records having sold the work to von Weckherlin for 365 guilders) 
J. P. Beaumont (Beaumont, a dealer, had a gallery on Bond Street, London, from 1830, and later set up on Broadway in New York. He regularly purchased the works of European 'modern masters', and sometimes bought market scenes directly from Schendel. Beaumont would probably have acquired it in the 1850s)

The panel has a handful of stabilised and restored cracks: notably a c. 38cm vertical crack, and 10cm diagonal crack in upper right quadrant (both with associated retouching), with two surface cracks vertically parallel to the right edge. There is quite extensive retouching visible under UV light, notably to the silhouetted figure and the dress of the lady standing to the left, to the shoulder and bonnet of the seated girl on the right, and discoloured retouching above the lady holding celery. There is a web of hairline craquelure over the signature. Held in a gold-painted slope away 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."

This work depicts the Groenmarkt in the Hague, with the façade of the old town hall to the right, and behind St Jacob's Church. In the artist's inventory, Schendel records having finished this picture on 23 September 1842 by candlelight.