Lot 551: JOOS VAN CRAESBEECK | An officer reading a letter in a military encampment beside the walls of a castle

oil on canvas, laid down on panel

69.3 by 82.7 cm.; 27 1/4  by 32 5/8  in.

oil on canvas, laid down on panel

The picture is painted on canvas, which has been laid onto panel fro stability. The paint surface has been cleaned. There is wear throughout, due to quite severe craquelure in some areas, which has been infilled. The blue of the sky and the red of the officer's coat are vibrant, whereas some of the browner areas (group of figure centre left) have lost some of their definition and have been restrengthened. Inspection under Ultraviolet light shows at least two campaigns of restoration. The most critical areas of work carried out are along the upper and left margins, and along the lower margin. The canvas must have been crumpled in the past, before it was affixed to the panel, as restrengthening elsewhere largely folllows crease-lines. The left hand side of the canvas is less- restored than the right hand side. The picture is offered in a gilt frame with decorative mouldings, 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."

K. de Clippel, Joos van Craesbeeck 1605/06 - ca. 1660. Een Brabants Genreschilder, vol. I, Turnhout 2006, p. 263, cat. no. 117a, reproduced vol. II, p. 535, fig. 117a.

Anonymous sale, London, Phillips, 15 December 1998, lot 3, where believed to have been acquired by the present owner.