FOLLOWER OF PIETER VAN BLOEMEN | Horses frolicking in an Italianate landscape

oil on canvas Pieter van Bloemen (1657–1720), also known as 'Standaart', was born in Antwerp and trained there by the battle painter Simon Johannes van Douw ('circa' 1630 – after 1677). He had a large output and was particularly known for his representations of grouped 'still-life' animals, especially horses. This great observation after nature is also witnessed in his many drawings that represent mainly animal studies from life.

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 27 October 2015, lot 481 (as Follower of Pieter van Bloemen).

All paintings available to view at the Sotheby’s Greenford Park warehouse, 5 - 7 and 10 – 13 September (10 - 4pm), by appointment. The canvas has an old relining, the paint surface is stable, and the varnish is even and slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals two campaigns of relatively extensive restoration. The older campaign is focused on the sky, with broad retouchings throughout. The newer campaign consists of scattered retouchings throughout, quite broadly executed, possibly to mask small losses. One horizontal old and restored damage is also visible under ultraviolet light upper and centre right, running approx. 15 cm. in length, ending in the hind quarter of the dark grey dappled horse.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.