August Querfurt

Relined and under a very dirty, discolored old varnish. overall there is very good preservation of the paint surface and very nice detail, especially in the foreground figures and animals. there is a compound tear at far right center (not visible in catalogue image), and another old repaired tear in background fort to left of center (patched on the reverse). a very small area of lifting can be seen at upper left corner, and some re-working in clouds at upper right. under UV: retouching on aforementioned repaired tear center left and some retouching along bottom edge and upper left corner; there is a vertical line of retouching along what appears to be an old crease or fold at far right side, about two inches in from right edge, as well as retouching along far right edge. most of the composition, however, looks good. painting would benefit from a light cleaning and sensitive restoration. In an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame with nicks.
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.

The siege of Vienna by the army of the Ottoman Empire began in July 1683 and culminated in the Battle of Vienna which took place on 11 and 12 September of that year.  The battle was won by the combined forces of the Holy Roman Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, under the command of Jan III Sobieski, King of Poland, and marked the turning point in the 300 year struggle between the Holy Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire.  Though the Ottomans fought on for another sixteen years, they eventually lost control of Hungary and Transylvania and the conflict was finalized in 1699 by the Treaty of Karlowitz.

 

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