JOHANN ZICK | The Sacrifice at Lystra

oil on canvas; signed and dated lower center: 'Jo. Zick inv et/pinx: 1753'

Freiherr von Kühlmann-Stumm, Schloss Ramholz, acquired in the 1930s;
Thence by descent until anonymously sold ("Property from the Collection of a Nobleman"), London, Sotheby's, 9 July 1998, lot 331 (as Januarius Zick with lot 4 as a pendant);
There acquired by the present collector.

Canvas is wax lined and the paint has thinned as a result. Though an elaborate scene presents well, some details in the shadows have sunken. Some strengthening is visible to the naked eye, most noticeably in the shadows, such as a line that runs for about 5in. at the extreme center right, and a smaller spot of about an inch on the roof at left of the vase with a plant. Inspection under UV reveals some possible spots of repair on the foreground, such as two spots at left of the lamb in bottom center. An area of retouching is on the center of the architectural structure that holds the fire, meanwhile other smaller spots are scattered here and there. Offered in a black and gold painted, and elaborately carved wooden frame.
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.

Johann Zick, a Baroque German painter, was the father of Januarius Zick (1730-1797), an important master of the Late Baroque. This painting is of very high quality, given that in 1753 he was producing among his finest works, possibly even in competition with those of his son. Therefore it comes as no surprise that this painting was thought to be by his son when originally offered at auction.¹ The present lot depicts Act 14:8 from the life of Paul. This scene takes place after Paul miraculously cures a cripple, and the people of Lystra want to make a sacrifice to him and his companions. In disgust, Paul tears his garments, as represented with the dramatic central figure depicted in an overtly emotional manner as was typical for Baroque artists.

We are grateful to Dr. Josef Strasser for endorsing the attribution on the basis of images.

1. See Provenance.