Willem van Bemmel

Pehr Lagerbring (1733-99), inv. no. 127, whose collection was bought in its entirety by
David Hendrik Hildebrand (1712-1791), Ericsberg;
His son David Gotthard Hendrik Hildebrand (1761-1808), who died unmarried;
His sister Agneta Sofia Hildebrand, who was married to Baron Carl Göran Bonde (1757-1840);
Thence by descent at Ericsberg to the present day.

The canvas is unlined. The painting has been restored some time ago and the old retouchings have now discoloured. The paint surface itself is in overall good condition, but would benefit from a light clean and there are some signs of wear in the landscape. There is a crease, probably caused by contact with the stretcher that runs approx 5cm inside the boundary of the canvas and along which there are some broken patches of retouching. There are several restored paint losses: two which are in the very centre of the composition and L-shaped (3 by 3cm max), a succession of smaller ones to their right; at the lower left corner where there is a large concentrated area; and further scattered restored paint losses throughout. There are several areas of retouchings and strengthening to the sky and to a lesser extent throughout the foreground. The legs of the brown horse have been partly retouched. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals further scattered retouchings and strengthenings throughout. The varnish layer is patchy and dirty. Sold with a parcel gilt wood frame in good condition. AF*
"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."

Two views by von Bemmel of Nuremberg of the Neutor and the Spittlertor are in the Germanishes Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg (inv. nos. Gm 1450, 1467; see A. Tacke, Die Gemälde des 17.Jahrhunderts im Germanischen Nationalmuseum, Mainz 1995, pp. 36-9, nos. 8, 9, reproduced, and colour plate 8).  A distant prospect of the city by Von Bemmel, signed and dated 1665 and from approximately the same viewpoint as the present picture was sold in these Rooms, 29 October 1986, lot 49.