Lot 104: HENDRIK VAN CLEVE III | The Tower of Babel

oil on marouflaged oak panel

60.5 by 71.5 cm.; 23 3/4  by 28 1/4  in.

oil on marouflaged oak panel

The panel, which seems to be composed of two horizontal planks, has been marouflaged. The paint surface is secure, stable and clean, other than some yellowing in the sky. The colours are vibrant. Retouchings can be seen along the joint two thirds of the way up the panel. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms this retouching and reveals a second campaign of retouchings, consisting of two horizontal retouchings measuring 40 cm and 21 cm at the lower left and right edge respectively, to what would seem to be splits in the panel, as well as minor localised retouchings in the sky at upper left. Overall the work is in good condition. The painting is offered in a carved 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."

Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Art Museum, The Collector's Cabinet: Flemish Paintings from New England Private Collections, 1984, no. 9.

H. Minkowski, Vermutungen über den Turm zu Babel, Freren 1991, p. 178, no. 229, reproduced (with incorrect provenance).

C.P. and G.R. Castendijk, Rotterdam;
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Mak van Waay, 10 May 1971, lot 38;
Anonymous sale, Brussels, Palais des Beaux-Arts, 26 October 1971 (according to the 1985 catalogue below);
With P. de Boer, Amsterdam, 1972;
C.F. Karsten, Amsterdam;
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 7 November 1985, lot 43, where acquired by the present owner.