Coenraet Roepel

Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Nobleman"), London, Sotheby's, 9 April 1986, lot 70, for £81,000 (as one of a pair).

The canvas has a modern, effective relining, which has somewhat flattened the paint surface. The paint surface is clean and secure, with the detail of the work well preserved. There is a very fine craquelure running throughout the painting, and the paint surface is under a glossy varnish. There are some stretches of frame abrasion along the upper and right hand margins and there is a small scuff, approximately 4cm. in length running vertically from the right hand side of the upper margin. No further damages to the work are apparent. Inspection under UV light is impeded by the thick varnish. However, it does seem to indicate some extensive retouchings to the upper background of the work, and some fairly extensive scattered retouchings and strengthenings to the flower arrangement. The hyacinth lower left seems to remain entirely original. Offered in a black Northern style frame in good condition, though scuffed around the outer edges.
"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."

An autograph work, dated 1715, which bears strong compositional similarities to the present work is listed by Bernt as in the collection of Miss K. McDonall and was exhibited in the Royal Academy, London in 1952 (see W. Bernt, The Netherlandish Painters of the Seventeenth Century, vol. II, New York 1970, figure 965).