Ferdinand Müller

The canvas is unlined, the paint surface is secure and stable. There are a few old damages that have been effectively patched up on the reverse and are not immediately visible to the naked eye. The varnish is clean and clear. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals patches of localised restoration throughout, including the old restored tears and some 3 patches of restoration on the brow of the sitter. In fair condition. 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."

A nineteenth-century imagining of Heinrich Walpot von Bassenheim, or Heinrich Waldbott, who was the first Grandmaster of the Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, commonly called the Teutonic Order, from the period 1198-1200.  He bears the Teutonic cross on his traditional white surcoat, and on a chain round his neck. He died in the Holy Land and was buried in Acre.  In Bassenheim there is a statue of Heinrich Waldbott, to which the physiognomy of this portrait bears marked similarities.