Dirk Theodoor Helmbreker

Probably Abbot Francesco Marucelli (1625-1703), Florence and Rome;
Anonymous sale, Zurich, Schuler Auktionen, 18 March 2011, lot 4316 (as Attributed to Helmbreker).

In overall good condition. The canvas is lined, the paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouchings scattered along all four margins and pin-prick sized retouchings scattered throughout, particularly in the sky and in the landscape on the right. Offered in a carved and plaster gilt wood frame in very 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."

Abbot Francesco Marucelli (1625-1703) - connoisseur, collector, and the founder of the Biblioteca Marucelliana in Florence - owned as many as twenty-one paintings by Helmbreker, including one 'La Vendemmia' ('Harvest'), which measured '4 palmi' - a measurement which corresponds with the dimensions of the present work. It is probable that this painting is one and the same as that owned by the abbot.¹ Helmbreker painted at least three sets of paintings which depict the Four Seasons, two of which certainly included a wine harvesting scene representing Autumn.²

We are grateful to Dottssa. Laura Laureati for endorsing the attribution to Helmbreker on the basis of a digital photograph and for her help in the cataloguing of this lot.

1. Inv. no. 1704; see 'L'Inventario della collezione dell'Abate Marucelli del 2 gennaio 1704', in Archivio del collezionismo romano, L. Spezzaferro (ed.), Pisa 2009, p. 345, cat. no. 219a/b.
2. Recorded as in the collections of Fulco Rinuccini, Florence, and Carlo Lorenzo Ughi, Florence (paintings of larger dimensions than the present painting); see G.I. Hoogewerff, 'Theodoor Helmbreker, Schilder van Haarlem. Overzicht van Helmbreker's werk', in Oud Holland, vol. 31, no. 1, 1913, pp. 39 and 61.