25th Jun, 2024 10:00
Old Master, British and European Art
21
Nicolaes Maes (Dutch, 1634-1693)
Portrait of a young gentleman, half-length, in a gold embroidered coat, lace stock and red mantle, his left hand resting on a pedestal;
Portrait of a lady, half-length, in a gold-embroidered white dress and blue wrap
a pair, both signed 'Maes', oil on canvas
48 x 37cm (2)
Provenance: Ann Page Croft, née Page, of Fanhams Hall, Ware, Hertfordshire. She started enlarging the house in the 1890s, and to that end, she purchased the contents of a palace in the Hague which was being demolished. There is no record of whether the portraits were acquired then or on another of her trips to Holland;
thence by descent.
Nicolas Maes, a Dutch Golden Age painter, is celebrated for his masterful portraits that capture the subtleties of human expression and character. A pupil of Rembrandt, Maes initially gained acclaim for his intimate domestic scenes, capturing everyday life with warmth and subtlety. In the 1660s, he began to devote himself to small-scale, detailed portraiture, marking a significant shift in his artistic focus. His portraits are distinguished by their intimate realism and attention to detail, often portraying middle-class individuals with a dignified, yet approachable air. Maes' work reflects a profound understanding of his sitters' personalities, blending technical prowess with psychological insight. His prolific output during the second half of the 17th century enriched Dutch portrait painting, and his works have continued to be admired since.
Sold for £10,000
Condition Report
Overall: 66 x 55cm
Both portraits are executed in oil on canvas supports which have been lined. The canvas tension is good and the pictures are in plane. The paint layers are in a good, stable condition overall. Both works have developed a network of age cracks which are slightly raised in areas, but stable. Both portraits have localised areas of overpaint located in the background. The overpaint has darkened overtime and become very matte in appearance. The pictures have thick varnish layers which have yellowed and become dull overtime. Examined under UV light both portraits have patches of restoration to the background. The portrait of a gentlemen has small spot of retouching to the sitter's left eyelid. There is a layer of varnish over both portraits which many obscure further restoration. Please refer to additional condition images.
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Auction: Old Master, British and European Art, 25th Jun, 2024
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Thursday 6 - Thursday 13 June at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11.30am - 5.30pm
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 21 June, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 23 June, 10am - 1pm
Monday 24 June, 10am - 4pm
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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