Beschreibung:

DescriptionThe Property of a Gentleman
Circle of RembrandtA tronie of a young man wearing a helmet
oil on oak panel, unframed59.9 x 49.3 cm.; 23⅝ x 19⅜ in. Condition reportThe panel, which is uncradled, is almost flat, its top edge bevelled. There is an old repaired vertical split near the left margin, which is held in place by a fabric support and four wooden butterfly inserts affixed to the reverse; and another shorter split near the centre of the panel running up from the lower edge, also repaired with a butterfly insert. A few old worm holes are visible along this central section of the reverse. The varnish has discoloured and there is some surface dirt. The paint surface has a fine pattern of craquelure. There is minor past frame abrasion. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals some recent retouching in the darker tones of the helmet, hair and face and in the upper area of the scarf, as well as some recent intervention in the lower left corner. Some retouching and minimal losses are to be found along the splits. An uneven varnish covers much of the painting. Details such as the fine moustache and lighter skin tones are well preserved; as are the thickly painted highlights and small bosses on the helmet.
Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.ProvenanceAnonymous sale, Lindau, Auktionshaus Michael Zeller, 25 June 2016, lot 01561, for 3,300 euros hammer (as attributed to Wallerant Vaillant ;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's South Kensington, 2 November 2016, lot 31, for £20,000 including premium (as circle of Rembrandt).Catalogue noteComparison with a self-portrait by Wallerant Vaillant (Lille 1623–1677 Amsterdam) in the Niedersächsisches Landesmuseum Hanover may have served as the basis for the attribution of this painting to the artist at the time of the 2016 sale. Dendrochronological investigation carried out on the panel by Ian Tyers in January 2019 indicates a likely usage date between about 1643 and 1650.1
1 Report no. 1115; available on request from the department.