ANTON MAUVE | Landscape with a shepherd and his flock

Remains of tape from old mounting along top edge, verso. Remains of old backing still adhering to verso in places around the other three sides. Paper generally a little browned, and slightly uneven and brittle, as if it was at one point entirely glued down. Possible light coloured stain in sky, towards left. Sold in a modern 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. 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."

Anton Mauve was a key figure in late 19th-century Dutch painting, and his characteristic depictions of sheep being herded in the sandy landscape of the Gooi region, to the south east of Amsterdam, more or less created an independent genre of painting.  As Robert-Jan te Rijdt has kindly informed us, Mauve sold many works to British, American and Canadian collectors in the 1880s and 1890s, with whom it seems his images, like this, of 'sheep coming' were rather more popular than his 'sheep going'.