Lot 121: Jacob de Wit (Amsterdam 1695-1754)

An Allegory of the Four Seasons
signed and dated 'J.De.Wit 1724' (lower left)
oil on canvas
81.8 x 118.2 cm.

A. Staring, Jacob de Wit, 1695-1754, Amsterdam, 1958, pp. 79, 145.

Willem Philips Kops, Haarlem, commisioned in 1724.
Anonymous sale; F. Muller, Haarlem, 24 April 1906.
F.J.E. Horstmann; F. Muller, Amsterdam, 19 November 1929, lot 64.

In 1724 Willem Philips Kops (1685-1756) commisioned the present lot from the artist for his new house in Haarlem on the Nieuwe Gracht 74. Between the years 1724 and 1752, Kops also ordered nine other paintings from De Wit to decorate his house; in 1906 these were all auctioned with Frederik Muller (A. Staring; op.cit., p. 79).

The present picture depicts from left to right: Personifications of 'Winter' seated by a fire, 'Autumn' in a red wrap handing over white grapes to 'Spring', who is making a floral wreath. To the right stands 'Summer' holding corn.

Christie's charge a premium to the buyer on the final bid price of each lot sold at the following rates: 23.8% of the final bid price of each lot sold up to and including €150,000 and 14.28% of any amount in excess of €150,000. Buyers' premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.