Philip van Dijk

Mrs. Miron Kostin;
By whom given to the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, CT in 1984 (inv.no. 1984.91).

Painting has been tightly relined and surface has been pressed as a result. under a dirty and dull old varnish. overall, the painting still reads well and presents an impressive image. the brown pigments have sunken somewhat and lost a bit of definition, most noticeably at left side in background. examination under ultraviolet reveals scattered retouching around edges of picture. some of these appear to be addressing old tears or punctures such as at lower left corner, in sky upper right, an area on wall at left side, and a small one in landscape at center right. the central part of the picture has only a few smaller retouches here and there to flesh areas and draperies of figures. In an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame with some nicks and losses.
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.

We are grateful to Drs. Jan Kosten of the RKD, The Hague for proposing the attribution to Philip van Dijk, based on an image.  He compares this work to two other paintings by the artist: Judith with the Head of Holofernes, signed and dated 1726, The Hague, Mauritshuis; and The Penitent Mary Magdalene, signed and dated 1722, Kassel, Gemäldegalerie.

Philip van Dijk was a painter and art dealer who worked in Middelburg and The Hague in the early 18th century.  He was a student of Arnold Boonen and Adriaen van der Werff and painted mainly portraits, as well and genre and history subjects.