Frederik Hendrik Kaemmerer

This painting has been lined and there is a scratch to the right of the cannon on the right. Under UV, older broad brushed restorations fluoresce along the horizon and in isolated areas at the extreme edges of the sky.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Kaemmerer's stylish and highly finished Directoire and Empire subjects made him a popular choice with the public.  He is best known for his seascapes, like the present work, which depict ladies of the leisure class enjoying a day on sun-bleached stretches of beach.  Kaemmerer's meticulous attention to the interaction of the figures and the depiction of their dress is matched by his brilliant ability to capture the natural elements of the scene.  The vibrant blue sky contrasts with the soft sand, and the dazzling summer sun puts the figures in the foreground in stark relief and highlights the bows and flounces of their pastel-colored finery.  Rather than the expected seaside sights of changing cabins, blankets and chairs of the artist's Beach at Scheveningen, Holland (sold in these rooms on October 29, 2002, lot 60, illustrated), in the present work two women stroll to pause next to a rusty cannon, perhaps a remnant of a warship lost at sea.  The weapon points in the same direction as the woman's outstretched hand, suggesting the pair may be visiting a historic stretch of sand where a past naval battle was fought.