Wolfgang Adam Töpffer

Painted as part of a commission by Empress Josephine (final project not completed due to her death in 1814);
Remained in the studio of the artist until his death in 1847;
The artist's deceased studio sale, 1847, where sold for 150 fr.;
Gustave Martin, Geneva;
Sold, Zurich, Sotheby's, 27 November 1984, lot 40;
Patrice de Weck, Geneva;
Sale, Zurich, Christie's, 17 July 1991, lot 254;
Sold, Zurich, Sotheby's, 5 June 1996, lot 30;
There purchased by the present collector for CHF 57,987.50.

Inventory made following the artist's death in 1847, no. 69 ("Une embarcation, esquisse avancée");
L. Boissonnas, Wolfgang- Adam Töpffer 1766-1847, Catalogue raisonné des peintures, Bern 2011, p. 168, cat. no. LBP 82, reproduced.

For a high resolution digital image, please refer to the online catalogue at Sothebys.com or contact a member of the Old Master Paintings department. Canvas appears to be unlined. the paint surface is very well preserved with lovely retention of detail and delicate coloration. examination under ultraviolet light reveals a few very small retouches in sky at upper right, one small one on sail. a few other very minor ones here and there, but overall the painting looks very good. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with some losses to the gilding
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.

This painting was a study for one of a group of works commissioned from the artist by Empress Josephine.  The final paintings were never completed due to Josephine’s death in 1814, and the preliminary oil sketches remained in the artist’s studio until his death in 1847.  A pendant to this painting, entitled  the Pier at St. Gingolph, was among this group.¹

A related painting of the same subject as this painting, but of larger dimensions and with some differences to the composition, signed and dated 1814, is in the collection of the Musée d’art et d’histoire, Geneva.²  Boissonnas (see Literature) speculates that Töpffer may have kept the present picture and the others in his studio to be shown to potential clients as an example of his work.  The fact that they had been commissioned by Josephine would certainly have added additional cachet.

1.  Oil on canvas, 84 by 105 cm.; see Boissonnas, op.cit., p. 166, cat. no. LBP81, reproduced.
2.  See Boissonnas, op.cit., p. 168, cat. no. LBP 83, reproduced.