FRANCO-FLEMISH SCHOOL, 18TH CENTURY | Landscape with ducks and poultry

Anonymous sale, Paris, Sotheby's, 26 June 2014, lot 27, where acquired by the present owner.

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear, though slightly uneven. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals some retouching: tiny spots scattered in the sky, notably centre left; larger spots scattered in the grapevine along the left and upper margins, notably in the leaf, upper left; as well as scattered in the foreground, notably along the right margin, just to the right of the duck. There are further, more sparsely scattered tiny retouchings in the fowl. The painting is in overall 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."

Though born in Flanders, Kerckhoven worked mostly in Italy and is first mentioned in Venice in 1663. He also worked for many years in Vicenza. In Italy, he became known as Giacomo Semiterio or Giacomo da Castello.