Artus Wolffort

Private collection, Seville;
Acquired by the present owner in the 1980s.

The canvas is relined and the paint surface stable and secure. There is an old canvas extension line that runs vertically 47 inches from the left margin that has been restored. There is an old damage 8 inches in length that runs vertically through the right wrist of the saint with outstretched arms on the left. The remaining restorations and retouchings that are scattered throughout are relatively minor except two more significant areas in the steps to the left of the seated figures in the middle distance and in the wings and sky surrounding the angel at the top of the picture. Otherwise the painting is in sound good condition with an even, slightly dirty varnish.
"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 pool of Bethesda was a popular subject with Baroque painters for its dramatic narrative and grand architectural setting. This particular composition was painted by a number of artists in Wolffort’s circle, including Pieter van Mol (1599–1650), Otto van Veen (1556–1629) and Claes Moeyart (1592–1655).¹  The present lot differs from the aforementioned works in its larger size, the quality of the musculature and luminescent skin tones, and the missing figure of the invalid in the middle distance. Wolffort painted a version with an extended curved top for the cathedral in Seville and a version by Wolffort of similarly high quality to the present lot was most recently sold in London, Christie’s, 25 April 2008, lot 10, for £70,100.

1. For a list of the recorded versions, see H. Vlieghe, ‘Zwischen van Veen und Rubens: Artus Wolffort (1581–1641), ein vergessener Antwerpen Maler’ in Wallraf-Richartz Jahrbuch, XXXIX, 1977, pp. 107–08, notes 22–23, reproduced plates 26–28.