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BARTHOLOMÄUS BRUYN THE ELDER | Portrait of a gentleman, half-length, wearing a black coat with fur collar, holding a letter; Portrait of his wife, half-length, wearing a black dress and cape with gold belt, holding a red and gold bead rosary
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description
- Portrait of a gentleman, half-length, wearing a black coat with fur collar, holding a letter; Portrait of his wife, half-length, wearing a black dress and cape with gold belt, holding a red and gold bead rosary
- the former inscribed with his age 49 and dated: ANNO 1533the latter inscribed with her age 42 and dated: ANNO 1533
- a pair, both oil on oak panel, framed as arches with the corners and margins made up
- Each 31 x 22 cm.
Provenance
The Hon. Mrs. Westenra;
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 4 December 1964, lot 80, for 3,200 Guineas to Colnaghi (as Workshop of Barthel Bruyn);
With Colnaghi, London.
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 4 December 1964, lot 80, for 3,200 Guineas to Colnaghi (as Workshop of Barthel Bruyn);
With Colnaghi, London.
Condition
Both panels have been planed down and set into other panels, which are uncradled, slightly bowed, and stable. The made up corners and edges are visible when unframed. Man: The paint surface is clean and the varnish clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals some fine lines of sensitively executed retouchings in his proper right sleeve to disguise the appearance of craquelure, as well as further retouchings scattered in the table, his shadow, along the upper right edge, and a handful of pin prick spots in his face. Woman: The paint surface is clean and the varnish clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals fine lines of sensitively executed retouchings scattered throughout her black cloak to disguise the appearance of craquelure, as well as a handful of small spots scattered in her headdress and the background. Both appear in good condition, and are offered in parcel gilt wooden frames.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Bartholomäus Bruyn founded an important school of portraiture in Cologne, where there was previously no such tradition. He mainly painted the patricians of the city, but none of his portraits are signed, nor documented as his altarpieces are. These likenesses are typical of Bruyn's more stylised portraits, set against a bright, plain background, with attention to detail in the figures' accessories. The rosary held by the lady here appears in a number of other portraits by Bruyn, such as that dated 1531, recorded in the collection of Freiherr von Ketteler-Harkotten, Schloss Schwarzenraben.1 1 See H. Westhoff-Krummacher, Barthel Bruyn der Ältere als Bildnismaler, Munich 1965, p. 114, cat. no. 22, reproduced p. 115.