- 27
Andreas Schelfhout
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Andreas Schelfhout
- Skaters on a Frozen River
- signed and dated A. Schelfhout 1866 lower left
- oil on panel
- 38.5 by 55cm., 15¼ by 21½in.
Provenance
Acquired by the present owner in 2010
Condition
The panel is flat, even, and ensuring a stable support. There are some spots of paint flaking in the far upper left corner and in the centre of the extreme upper framing edge - however, these appear to be stable. Ultra-violet light reveals some small isolated spots of cosmetic retouching, including: some spots addressing the aforementioned flaking, one spot in the sky in the horizon line closer to the right edge, and a couple of spots in the tree foliage and in the tree trunk in the centre left of the composition.
This work is otherwise in overall good condition and ready to hang.
Presented in a decorative gilt frame.
Colours are somewhat warmer in the catalogue illustration than in reality.
"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 present work is an exquisite example of Schelfhout's mastery in depicting the Dutch winter. Offsetting the shaded foreground against the especially beautiful, golden light of a low winter sun, Schelfhout captures the crispness of the mirror-like ice, scraping the back of the brush through the wet paint of the white pigment to suggest the repeated marks made by the skaters. Further in the distance a small group has gathered around the 'Koek en Zopie' stall, while a mill and a church tower punctuate the low horizon.