The Eclectic Eye. Property from a distinguished European collector
CIRCLE OF ABEL GRIMMER (ANTWERP C.1570-1618/28)
An allegory of spring
Important information about this lot
Price Realised GBP 5,250
Estimate
GBP 4,000 - GBP 6,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
The present composition likely originates from the drawing of spring by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, dated 1565, now in the Albertina, Vienna, a composition made popular by a series of prints published in 1570 by Hieronymous Cock. Abel Grimmer made copies of the series, simplifying aspects of his composition, here further revised by an artist from Grimmer's circle who took inspiration from his style and his variations of the subject.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The painting has been executed on a panel support made up of two boards horizontally joined. The panel has been thinned and cradeled to the reverse. The mark of the hands of the Guild of Saint Luke has been reattached to the reverse following the thinning process (lower left). The support remains stable. The painting presents well in natural light. In raking light the central panel join can be seen. At lower right there is a small area of tenting to the paint that would benefit from stabilisation. There appears to be some further areas of retouching associated with the cradeling of the panel, notably to the upper and lower edges. Examination under UV light confirms the aforemetioned restorations. There is a further horizontal line of restoration to the panel in the lower third of the panel. There has been some retouching to the brown tones of the ground. There appears to be further retouching to the sky and foliage, though the thick cloudy varnish precludes a more in depth examination. The paint remains stable. The illustrative quality of the composition and the vivacity of colour remain fully appreciable.
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Lot 136Sale 20056
An allegory of springCIRCLE OF ABEL GRIMMER (ANTWERP C.1570-1618/28)Estimate: GBP 4,000 - 6,000
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