Lot 78: JACOB WILLEMSZ. DE WET HAARLEM CIRCA 1610 - 1675

PROPERTY OF AN AMERICAN PRIVATE COLLECTOR

CHRIST AMONG THE DOCTORS

measurements
22 3/4 by 18 3/4 in.

alternate measurements
57.8 by 47.6 cm.

oil on panel

Condition Note: Panel is uncradled and slightly bowed from right to left. There are four screws screwed into the reverse of the panel in order to attach it to the frame. The paint surface is under a dirty varnish. The paint surface however is well retained with good detail in the figures. There are some thinnesses here and there in the darks and some scuffing along the frame line with small spots of paint loss. There are a few discolored retouches in the darker areas that are visible to the naked eye. Ultra violet light reveals a thick and uneven varnish. There are lines of retouching along all four edges. There are some scattered small strengthenings here and there. There may be other older restorations underneath varnish but it is difficult to judge.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described in our catalogue. 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 DISCUSSION CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

PROVENANCE

Ch. Potter, Paris;
Acquired by the parents of the present owner in Paris, circa 1925.

NOTE

We are grateful to Prof. Werner Sumowski who, based on photographs, has confirmed the present painting to be a work by de Wet. He compares it to another painting by de Wet depicting The Presentation in the Temple in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Buenos Aires (see W. Sumowski, Gemälde der Rembrandt-Schüler, Landau/Pfalz 1983, vol. VI, cat. no. 2492, reproduced).