Lot 547
  • 547

Attributed to Marten van Cleve the Elder

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Marten van Cleve the Elder
  • A peasant holding a tankard
  • oil on panel, unframed
  • 12 by 8 3/4  in.; 30.5 by 22.2 cm.

Condition

The panel is comprised of a single board that is uncradled, flat, and with an extremely faint horizontal bow. Overall the figure reads well, with some slight thinness to the paint in some areas. A few, very tiny, pin dots of paint loss such as with his sleeve are barely noticeable. There is some irregularity to the corners with some minor losses particularly in the upper right corner. A stable, old, thin crack runs vertically for about 5 in., through which there is a small horizontal crack of 1 cm, which fluoresce under the inspection of UV. Some smaller spots of retouches are scattered on his red shirt, on the white table cloth, and on the brim of his hat. A possible filled repair at center upper edge is also visible under UV. The panel is offered unframed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

A similar painting by Marten van Cleve which also depicts a single figure holding a jug is in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania (inv. no. 425).1 Both compositions are similar in subject, technique, and size. However, the present painting shows the profile of a male figure, while the panel at the Philadelphia Museum has the frontal view of an elderly lady. 1. See K. Ertz & C. Nitze-Ertz, Marten van Cleve 1524-1581 : Kritischer Katalog der Gemälde und Zeichnungen, Lingen 2014, pp. 72, 212, cat no. 181, reproduced fig. nos. 95 and 181.