Circle of Maerten van Heemskerck

With Wildenstein, New York;
Acquired from the above at least thirty years ago by the family of the present owner.

The panel support is flat and cradled to the reverse. The paint surface is secure and under quite a thick uneven varnish. A horizontal split of 15 cm runs upper right along which some retouchings have been applied. Inspection under UV light reveals scattered retouchings and strengthenings, motly confined to the darker tones. Overall in fair condition and offered in a later wooden frame painted with elaborate decoration.
"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."

Derived from Maerten van Heemskerck's The Rape of Helen, of circa 1535-6, in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.¹ Though the Baltimore picture is much larger, both depict shipping beneath stormy skies running towards classical harbours, perhaps Corinth here and Rhodes in Baltimore, beyond which lie landscapes teeming with classical buildings and monuments. The Latin inscription, literally 'Not all will reach Corinth', is probably intended as an admonition of mortality.

1. Reproduced in R. Grosshans, Maerten van Heemskerck, Berlin 1980, p.116, no. 19.