Joos de Momper

Count Michael Gustaf Anckarsvärd (1792-1878), Sweden;
Thence by descent to the present owners.

The following condition report is provided by Hamish Dewar, who is an external expert and not an employee of Sotheby's. UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE Structural Condition The panel has been cradled and this is providing a sound structural support and the panel joins are secure. There are areas of very slight blistering which should be locally stabilized and this is most evident in the upper left and upper right of the sky. Paint Surface The paint surface has a very discoloured varnish layer and should be transformed by cleaning. There are discoloured retouchings which are visible in natural light and would appear to be excessive and if removed during the cleaning process could be significantly reduced. There are also retouchings which are identifiable under ultraviolet light and the largest areas are in the upper left and upper right of the sky. These measure approximately 23 x 12 cm and 22 x 5 cm but I am sure that once removed considerably less retouching would be required. The landscape and figures appear to be in very well preserved condition with little, if any retouching. There may be retouchings beneath the varnish layers which are not identifiable under ultraviolet light. Summary The painting would therefore appear to be in essentially good and stable condition with the potential to be transformed by cleaning, restoration and revarnishing.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

This unpublished picture is an excellent example of the panoramic landscapes for which Joos de Momper was justly renowned.  As with many of them, the staffage is in our opinion by Jan Brueghel.

This painting was probably acquired by Count Michael Gustaf Anckarsvärd, who was Chairman of the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm from 1844-1858, and remains in the posession of his descendants.