J***Leemans

Heinrich Theodor Hoech, Munich, prior to 1892;
By whom sold, Munich, Fleischmann, Lempertz & Schall, 8-19 September 1892, lot 114;
With Daxer & Marschall, Munich, 2007;
From whom acquired by Saam and Lily Nijstad.

Daxer & Marschall, Recent Acquisitions, Oil Sketches and Paintings 1670-1900, 2007, pp. 58-59, both reproduced;
S. Nijstad and A. Leerintveld, In opdracht van Huygens, De ontdekking van bijzondere stillevens met boeken ter ere van Constantijn and Christiaan Huygens, The Hague 2008.

Both canvases have recent relinings. The signed paint surfaces are under thick yellowed varnishes and appear to be structurally sound, with no damages discernible to the naked eye. The brown tones appear to be somewhat sunken, for example in the background. Inspection under UV light reveals some discoloured retouchings scattered around both paintings, as well as some more concentrated retouchings in the red book spines. Offered in wooden frames with some surface scuffs.
"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."

Though the signatures on these works are legitimate and would initially seem to correlate with the renowned still-life artist Johannes Leemans (1633-88), two of the books featured were only published in the first half of the 18th century. In his write-up on the pair, Saam (see Literature) argues that the paintings are therefore the work of an as yet unidentified artistic member of the Leemans family, perhaps a younger brother or nephew of Johannes. Ad Leerintveld's analysis of the library inventories and known portraits of the Huygens family, with respect to the books and portrait medallions depicted, leads him to conclude that these still lifes were commissioned by Constantijn Lodewickszoon Huygens (1675-1739) in honour of the famed mathematical and physical achievements of the Huygens family, in particular his grandfather Constantijn Huygens (1596-1687) and his uncle Christiaan Huygens (1629-1695).