Lot 328
  • 328

Willem Cornelisz. Duyster

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Willem Cornelisz. Duyster
  • An allegory of hearing
  • signed lower left: WC (in ligature) Duyst...
  • oil on oak panel

Provenance

D. B. Vosmeer, Amsterdam;
By whom sold, Amsterdam, C. F. Roos, 26 March 1901 (as by J. Duck);
With E. J. Goudstikker, Amsterdam.        

Condition

The panel is uncradled and flat. it is bevelled on all four sides, to a greater extent on the left hand margin. There are small knocks to the panel in each of the corners and to the upper and lower edges. The paint surface is even and in good condition, with only some small lost flakes of paint scattered along the margins due to frame rubbing. There is some slight wear in the background, for example in the little table to the left of the figure, but details in the figure, and his face are well-preserved. Underdrawing and pentimenti are visible in some areas. The paint is covered by a dirty and yellow varnish. Inspection under Ultraviolet light shows retouchings in the small table mentioned above, small finely-executed retouchings throughout the background, in his hat and beard, in the lower part of the lute, and in the darker details of his trousers. Offered in a modern wood frame, in good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This panel originally formed part of a series of five paintings representing The Five Senses, each represented by a single male sitter holding a symbolic object. A second painting from the series, showing a man holding a pipe and representing the sense of smell, was the preceding lot in the 1901 Vosmeer sale (see Provenance).
We are grateful to Dr. Jochai Rosen for his assistance in cataloguing this lot.