Lot 115
  • 115

Catharina Ykens

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • Catharina Ykens
  • A vanitas bust of a lady with a crown of flowers on a ledge
  • signed and dated on the ledge: Catharina van ÿkens . filia Devota f. 1688
  • oil on oak panel, octagonal

Provenance

Anonymous sale, Antwerp, Bernaerts, 21 October 1996, lot 100.

Exhibited

Antwerp, Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten and Arnhem, Museum voor Moderne Kunst, Elck zijn waerom. Vrouwelijke kunstenaars in België en Nederland 1500–1950, 17 October 1999 – 6 April 2000.

Literature

K. Van der Stighelen, M. Westen et al., Elck zijn waerom. Vrouwelijke kunstenaars in België en Nederland 1500–1950, exh. cat., Antwerp 1999, p. 193, reproduced p. 195, fig. 70;
F.G. Meijer and A. van der Willigen, A Dictionary of Dutch and Flemish still-life painters working in oils, 1525–1725, Leiden 2003, p. 223.

Condition

The panel is octagonal and is flat and uncradled. The paint surface is relatively clean. To the naked eye there are some traces of old varnish to the craquelure pattern. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a thin and uneven layer of old varnish. Offered in an ebonised and carved wood frame with gilt details, 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

There were almost certainly two still-life painters called Catharina Ykens: one (fl. 1635– after 1666), the wife of the artist Frans Ykens, the other, the author of this work, the daughter of Jan Ykens. The present artist was most probably taught by her father, and in 1688 she was accepted by the local Antwerp guild – an annotation describes her as both a nun and a painter.1

1. See Meijer and Willigen 2003, p. 223.