Lot 236
  • 236

Jan Steen

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description

  • Jan Steen
  • A Youth Reading
  • signed lower left on paper: J STEEN
  • oil on oak panel, unframed

Provenance

Herman de Kat, Dordrecht;
His deceased sale, Paris, 2 May 1866, lot 81;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 12 October 1983, lot 7, where acquired by the husband of the present owner.

Literature

T. van Westrheene, `Jan Steen,geschiedenis en fantasie,' in Kunstkronijk, vol. XIX, 1856, no. 50bis;
C. Hofstede de Groot, A Catalogue Raisonné.., vol. I, London 1907, p. 73, no. 242;
K. Braun, Alle tot nu bekende schilderijen van Jan Steen, Glarus & Rotterdam 1980, p. 147, no. A-137.

Condition

The catalogue illustration is too red in tone. The support consists of a single oak panel, which is uncradled and bevelled on all four sides, and remains flat and stable. The paint surface itself is now covered with a layer of dirty and discoloured varnish and appears to be in very good condition, with little or no sign of wear. There are a number of minor surface scratches which are visible in the catalogue illustration. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals no significant recent restoration; what little there is is confined to minor spot retouchings, for example to the tablecloth, and some repair along the bottom edge. Offered in a modern reproduction ebonised wood frame in good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

In Hofstede de Groot and Braun (see Literature) this painting is known only from its detailed description in the Herman de Kat sale catalogue (Braun's A category is reserved for works known only from documents).