L10237

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Lot 155
  • 155

Lieve Pietersz. Verschuier

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Lieve Pietersz. Verschuier
  • A Mediterranean coast at dawn with a galliot preparing to unload its cargo beside classical architectural fragments, a frigate being caulked beyond
  • signed lower right on a bundle:  L.VER/SCHVIER
  • oil on panel
  • 14 1/8 x 18 3/4 inches

Provenance

Anonymous sale ("Property of a European Collector"), London, Christie's, 4 July 1997, lot 223, where acquired by the present owner.

Literature

J. Giltaij, 'Lieve Verschuier', in Schatkammer, Veertien opstellen aangeboden aan Leo Akveld, Franeker 2002, p. 43, cat. no. 43

Condition

The support consists of a single, stable bevelled on the right edge. It is flat and the paint layer is stable. There is slight abrasion along the framing edge at the top. The painting appears dirty and there is a small loss in the sky along the centre left edge although overall the paint surface appears to be in good condition. In a raking light, one can see a thick varnish that has been unevenly applied. Under UV, this varnish appears milky and slightly obscures the image; however, there appear to be very few retouches to the paint surface. Offered in a carved and gilt frame with scattered small chips 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. 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

Active in Rotterdam in the mid-seventeenth century, Verschuier was a painter of marine landscapes. His most distinctive compositions, however, depict dramatic scenes at sea, with emphasis on the atmospheric conditions. Similar to other works by the artist, the present panel employs unusual lighting effects which show bright rays of sunlight emanating out of a small break in the dark clouds. His interest in light may have been inspired from a possible trip to Italy circa 1655, as suggested by Arnold Houbraken, Groote Schouburgh, III, 1721, p. 229. A similar large fragment of a classical bas-relief propped up on the sea shore occurs in the picture by the artist in the Institut Néerlandais, Paris.