LOT DETAILS

Materials:

oil on canvas

Measurements:

38.90 in. (98.80 cm.) (height) by 49.53 in. (125.80 cm.) (width)

Condition:

The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's: Johann Liss A repentant sinner Oil on canvas, in a period gilt frame. The original canvas has been lined. The lining is approximately 60-70 years old and there is a loss of tension across the original canvas. Original paint can be detected to the tacking edges on three sides; the right hand edge is original. This original paint on the tacking edges has been compromised by the conservation and restraining processes. The paint layer generally, however, is in an excellent original condition. Under raking light conditions it appears raised and in some areas there is a vulnerability with some slight abrasion detected to the shadows of the blue cloak. The paint texture is very well preserved and the paint impasto has not been compromised by any previous conservation intervention. Removal of the degraded and discoloured varnish will improve the overall tonality and reveal colours that still retain their vibrancy. Nuances and subtleties to the flesh tones and the modelling and the fine details to the drapery and hair are in very good original state. "This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Literature:

H.A. Tipping, 'Edgcote, Northamptonshire', in; Country Life, XLVII, 1201, January 1920, reproduced p. 51; ; H.A. Tipping, English Homes. Period V, vol. I, 1921, p. 296, reproduced pl. 256; ; R. Klessmann in Johann Liss, exh. cat., Rathaus, Augsburg, 2 August – 2 November 1975, and Cleveland Museum of Art, 17 December 1975 – 7 March 1976, p. 86, under cat. no. A17; ; R. Klessmann, 'Johann Liss's Temptation of the Magdalene', in The Burlington Magazine, CXXXVIII, no. 138, March 1996, pp. 187-9, reproduced; ; R. Klessmann, Johann Liss. A monograph and catalogue raisonné, Doornspijk 1999, p. 143, cat. no. 14, reproduced pls 11 and 12; ; A. Bader, Chemistry and Art. Further adventures of a Chemist Collector, London 2008, pp. 99–104.

Provenance:

Possibly Richard Chauncey (d. 1760), Edgcote, Northamptonshire, and there framed as the overmantel in the former Billiard Room during the re-modelling of the house between 1747–52; ; Possibly his son, William Henry Chauncey (d. 1788); ; By inheritance with Edgcote to his brother-in-law, Thomas Carter; ; Possibly by descent to his granddaughter Julia Aubrey, who married William Ralph Cartwright (1771–1847) of Aynhoe Park, Oxfordshire; ; Possibly inherited with Edgcote by his son by his second wife Richard Aubrey Cartwright (1811–1891); ; Thence by descent to his grandson Ralph Cartwright (1880–1936); ; Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Family Trust'), London, Christie's, 9 December 1994, lot 96; ; Acquired in 1995 for the present collection.