E. De Jans, After Sir Peter Paul Rubens active early 20th century

Perseus frees Andromeda
(original in the Dahlem Museum, Berlin)

The four continents
(Original in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna)



Neptune and Amphitrite
(The original was destroyed in WWII)

The canvasses are all unlined. In general the paint surface is flat and even, although the latter two pictures have some frame rubbing around the margins. There are some minor surface scubs of white pigment in the beard of Neptune, easily removed. There is also loosening of the canvas in all four corners of "Neptune and Amphitrite", which should also be straightforward to fix. These lots are sold in large heavy black and gilt frames, as illustrated, with some straight cracks along the joins in the corners, probably due to them being moved during shipping, but otherwise sound. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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."

Twentieth-century copies.  The first a copy after the picture now in the Dahlem Museum, Berlin;¹ the second a copy after that now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna;² and the third a copy after an original destroyed in the World War Two.³

1. See M. Jaffé, Rubens. Catalogo Completo, Milan 1990, pp. 279-80, cat. no. 757, reproduced p. 279.
2. Ibid., pp. 205-6, cat. no.  302, reproduced p. 206.
3. Ibid., p. 205, cat. no. 301, reproduced p, 205.