Lot 166
  • 166

JAN HAVICKSZ. STEEN | Peasants in a landscape

Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Jan Havicksz. Steen
  • Peasants in a landscape
  • signed lower left: JSteen
  • oil on oak panel
  • 38.1 x 49.4 cm.; 15 x 19 3/8  in.

Provenance

M. Thyssen, Amsterdam;
His sale, Paris, Pillet, 20 December 1856, lot 37, for 485 Francs.

Literature

C. Hofstede de Groot, A catalogue raisonné..., vol. I, London 1907, p. 151, cat. no. 581;
K. Braun, Alle tot nu toe bekende schilderijen van Jan Steen, Rotterdam 1980, p. 153, cat. no. A379.

Condition

The uncradled, bevelled panel is formed of a single plank, and is flat and stable. The varnish is slightly discoloured and the paint surface is clean, although it shows evidence of slight wear throughout. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouchings scattered through, mostly fine, horizontal lines along the panel grain, and in the figures lower centre. In fair overall condition. Offered in a ebonised wood frame in good condition.
"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

Dr. Wouter Kloek has suggested a date of circa 1650 for this painting, executed on a single oak panel, on the basis of first-hand inspection. This was early on in Steen's career, when he was still much influenced by the work of brothers Adriaen and Isaac van Ostade. Dr. Kloek compares the treatment of this painting with Steen's Dancing Peasants of circa 1646–48, one of Steen's earliest works, and Village Fair of circa 1650–51, both in the Mauritshuis, The Hague.1 1 Inv. nos 553 and 664, respectively; see A. van Suchtelen, In the Mauritshuis. Jan Steen, exh. cat., Zwolle 2011, pp. 24 and 26, reproduced in colour pp. 25 and 27.