- 51
Cornelis van Poelenburgh
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Cornelis van Poelenburgh
- The Rest on the Flight into Egypt, with classical ruins in an extensive landscape, herdsmen and goats beyond
- signed with initials lower left: CP
- oil on oak panel
- 12¼in by 16in
Provenance
Sodani, Milan;
Acquired from the above by James Irvine on behalf of Sir William Forbes, 7th Bt. of Pitsligo (1773–1828), 8 November 1827, in Milan, for 70 Louis ('Riposo Polemberg').
Acquired from the above by James Irvine on behalf of Sir William Forbes, 7th Bt. of Pitsligo (1773–1828), 8 November 1827, in Milan, for 70 Louis ('Riposo Polemberg').
Condition
The panel is flat and uncradled. The paint surface is stable with a discoloured varnish. There are no major damages visible (save one tiny loss in the lower left corner in the white fabric) and the painting is in very nice condition. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals very little intervention. The varnish has oxidised in parts at the bottom edge, and the figures have been partially cleaned.
Offered in a gesso and carved gilt frame with some losses.
"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
James Irvine evidently held the dealer Sodani in high esteem: '[...] of all those I met with at Milan Sodani appeared to me to have the most natural taste and discrimination.'1 The present picture is an example of the dealer's discernment: '[he] has a fine landscape by Polenburgh but as it is one of his favourite pictures he asked a high price for it [...]' And writing to Sir William in advance of the sale, Irvine sets out his own reasons for endorsing the work: 'One of its merits is that the figures are a Repose in Egypt and not his usual ugly naked women bathing, and it has less of that yellow monotony which often prevails too much in his pictures.'2
1. Letter from James Irvine to Sir William Forbes, Rome, 26 July 1828.
2. Letter from James Irvine to Sir William Forbes, Florence, 2 October 1827.