CORNELIS TROOST | Four putti playing

Sale, Paris, R. Blay, 4 July 1929, lot 135 (reproduced);
with David Jones, London;
from whom acquired by the present owners in 2002

Boston, St. Botolph Club, A Selection of Dutch 18th Century Drawings and Watercolors from the Gordon Collection, 2003, no. 16

J.W. Niemeijer, Cornelis Troost 1696-1750, Assen 1973, p. 305, no. 530 T

Laid down on a card backing which has subsequently been hinged to a modern mount. There are two small brown stains to the left centre of the sheet and two more to the right centre. There are the remains of some old mount marks to the extremities. The chalk media remains in wonderful, fresh condition throughout and the blue paper retains much of its original vibrant color. Sold in a modern giltwood frame.
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.
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.

This rapid chalk sketch shows a very different side of Troost's draughtsmanship from the three grand, colored compositional works in the collection (lots 120, 123 and 127).  It is almost certainly the first sketch for a painted wall decoration, perhaps an overdoor.  Variations on the same compositional elements are to be found in other preliminary compositional studies, in the collection of the Koninklijke Ouheidkundig Genootschap, Amsterdam.  The scene is a rather amusing combination of a down-to earth Dutch interior, with its draped curtain and table-carpet, and elevated allegory: the globe, palette and sculpted bust to the lower right symbolise the visual arts, while the vanitas motif of the putti blowing soap bubbles alludes to the transience of all human achievements.