- 188
Jean-Baptiste van Moerkercke
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Jean-Baptiste van Moerkercke
- Still life with musical instruments
- signed lower center: JB Moerkercke PINXIT
- oil on canvas, unlined
Provenance
Anonymous sale, Monaco, Sotheby's, 18 June 1992, lot 44, where acquired by the present owner for 333,000 Francs.
Literature
J. de Maere and M. Wabbes, Illustrated dictionary of 17th century Flemish painters, Brussels 1994, vol. 3, p. 834, reproduced;
A. van der Willigen and F.G. Meijer, A dictionary of Dutch and Flemish still-life painters working in oils, 1525-1725, Leiden 2003, p. 144.
A. van der Willigen and F.G. Meijer, A dictionary of Dutch and Flemish still-life painters working in oils, 1525-1725, Leiden 2003, p. 144.
Condition
The canvas is unlined, the paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish is uneven and discoloured. There are unobtrusive stretcher marks along all four margins and down the centre of the painting. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a thick and milky varnish, underneath which retouchings are visible scattered throughout the background and most notably along the lower margin. The still-life elements appear largely untouched. In overall 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."
"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
The few known works by Moerkercke, a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Ghent from 1659-65, consist of religious scenes and portraits, marking this as a rare addition to the artist's œuvre.
According to the RKD, the music on the table may be the 'Nectar caelicum sive cantiones sacrae, II, III, IV vocibus cum basso continuo' by Francesco Colombini (1588-1671) published in Antwerp by the heirs of Petrus Phalesius in 1639.