Jakob Philipp Hackert

Private collection, Alnwick, by 1940;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The metal is stable and flat. The painting presents a remarkable image with the details well preserved as seen with the luscious green hues and thinly separated strands of hairs on the goat. Inspection under UV light shows a few tiny spots of retouches to the foreground and background, some of which are visible to the naked eye in the sky. Some fine lines of inpainting are visible on the lower bushes behind the tree at right. The painting could be hung as is. It is offered in a gilded wood frame.
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.

We are grateful to Dr. Claudia Nordhoff for endorsing the attribution on the basis of photographs.