Isaack Luttichuys

Probably anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Roos, 1 May 1849, lot 110 (with pendant).

The painting is a little lighter in tone and warmer in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The painting is on a flat chamfered two piece panel with two inlaid butterfly supports. The paint surface appears to be in good overall condition however the panel join is visible as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is minor retouching in the sky and in a raking light there is retouching visible throughout the darker pigments of the sitter's costume. Examination under ultraviolet reveals several campaigns of retouching. There are, in addition to those already mentioned, further very minor scattered retouchings throughout the sky which includes recent retouching to a vertical surface scratch upper left measuring approx. 2 in. There is also minor scattered retouching in the sky to the panel join and to the fleshtones of the sitter's neck and face. Offered in a plain carved wood frame, in very good condition.
"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."

The attribution has been confirmed by Dr. Bernd Ebert who knows the work from photographs (written communication to the present owner). Dr. Ebert suggested that the present painting is the pendant to the Portrait of a man, standing next to a balustrade¹ and that both paintings are probably those listed under C29 and C30.²

1. See B. Ebert, Simon and Isaack Luttichuys, Berlin 2009, p. 543, no. Is.A 41.
2. Ibid., pp. 610-611.