ADRIAEN BACKER | A Sheet of Studies of Heads, some Grotesque

William Bates (1824-1884), Birmingham (L.2604);
sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 10 November 1998, lot 39,
where purchased by the late owner

Laid down. Light stains at left edge. Some surface dirt. Chalk still fresh. Sold framed.
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. Illustrations in the catalogue may not be actual size. Prospective purchasers are reminded that, unless the catalogue description specifically states that a stone is natural, we have assumed that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our presale estimates reflect this assumption.Certificates of Authenticity: Various manufacturers may not issue certificates of authenticity upon request. Sotheby's is not under an obligation to furnish the purchaser with a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer at any time. Unless the requirements for a rescission of the sale under the Terms of Guarantee are satisfied, the failure of a manufacturer to issue a certificate will not constitute grounds to rescind the sale. Gemological Certificates and Reports: References in the catalogue descriptions to certificates or reports issued by gemological laboratories are provided only for the information of bidders, and Sotheby's does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in such certificates or reports. Please also note that laboratories may differ in their assessment of a gemstone (including its origin and presence, type and extent of treatments) and their certificates or reports may contain different results.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Adriaen was the nephew of Jacob Backer, with whom he studied, apparently at rather a young age (Jacob Backer died in 1651).  Subsequently, Adriaen spent some years in Italy, before returning to Amsterdam, where he was married in 1669 and died in 1684. He worked extensively as a portrait painter, but also received commissions for historical and religious compositions, including one for a ceiling painting for the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.  Hardly any drawings by him are known.  The only example of a chalk drawing in the photographic records of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie, The Hague, is a signed and dated portrait (self-portrait?) of 1671, which is itself in the collection at the RKD; although the RKD drawing is very different from the present sheet in terms of subject-matter, the handling of the chalk is very comparable, as is the handwriting in the signature.