Jacques d'Arthois

Anonymous sale ("Property from a Spanish Private Collection"), London, Sotheby's, 4 December 2008, lot 219;
There acquired by the present collector for $65,686.  

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work appears to be in good condition. The paint layer seems to be clean and varnished. In the sky, isolated retouches have been added to reduce some cracking and areas of transparency that had developed. The condition seems to be particularly good in the trees. There are isolated retouches in the lighter colors of the rocks and the roadway in the lower left, which sharpen some of the lighter details. Some larger losses have been restored in the darkest foliage running from the lower right towards the lower left corner. There may be some other restorations in the darker colors. The restorations may be slightly broad, but the condition is good overall, and the work can be hung in its current state.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

A leading landscapist of the Brussels school, Jacques d'Arthois was known for his lush and detailed depictions of the Forêt de Soignes on the southeast edge of Brussels, where he owned a home.  Signed and dated 1671, this impressive, large-scale painting is likely an image from that area and shows d'Arthois at his best: thick, colorful foliage is vividly painted in a lively composition which draws the eye diagonally through the picture and to the detailed vista beyond.