TETHART PHILIPP CHRISTIAN HAAG | Equestrian portrait of an aristocrat together with his aide

The actual painting shows more contrast than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The canvas seems to be either unlined and re-stretched on a new stretcher, or alternatively, it has been relined with a very fine canvas attached to it; the craquelure pattern of the front is visible on its reverse with points to it being unlined. The painting seems to be in a very good condition with no major damages apparent. It is covered with a nice, fine craquelure pattern, consistent of its age. The colors seem to be nicely preserved. Some minor thinness visible in the sky area. The painted surface is covered with a clear varnish layer and the painting seems to have been cleaned recently. Under the UV light The varnish layer seems to be clear and shows some areas of the old varnish layer, e.g. lower left in the tail of the horse. Some retouchings are visible in the sky area, and in between the main figure and its horse. Some between the chest and the head of the brown horse in the left, and some minor ones scattered throughout. Offered with a carved giltwood 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."

Born in the German town of Kassel, Tethart Haag moved together with his father, Johann Haag in 1747 to Holland when his father was employed as court painter to the Stadhouderlijk Hof in Leeuwarden. When Prince William IV was elevated to Stadtholder in 1747 and moved to The Hague, Johann took his son with him to move there. Tethart was taught by his father in painting as a portrait and horse painter. In 1760 Tethart followed his deceased father as court painter to Stadtholder Prince William V. Haag also managed his collection of paintings and was his chief adviser in the foundation in 1774 of the stadtholder 'Picture Gallery' at the Buitenhof in The Hague. He was thus the first director and curator of this first public museum in the Netherlands, which would later be known as the Prince William V Gallery.