THOMAS VAN DER WILT | Portrait of a small boy in blue with a feathered cap tempting a bird into a cage with a piece of pretzel

THOMAS VAN DER WILT
Portrait of a small boy in blue with a feathered cap tempting a bird into a cage with a piece of pretzel

indistinctly signed on the window sill lower left: T. van [...]
oil on oak panel
27.9 by 21.8cm.; 11 by 8 5/8in.

Condition Report:
The panel is uncradled, flat and stable. The paint surface is dirty and the varnish is discoloured. Small, fine lines of discoloured retouching are visible in the boy’s face to disguise the appearance of the wood grain, and other small, discoloured retouchings are visible scattered in the column on the left and in the window sill, in the lower part of his jacket and in both his cuffs, as well as to a pin-prick to the bird cage below the boy’s sleeve. Inspection under ultraviolet light confirms all these. In overall 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."

Provenance:
Charles Joseph, Count Lichtervelde (d. 1803), Ghent;

His sale, London, Christie's, 29-30 May 1801, lot 30 (as Mieris), for £4-14s. to John Edward Breen;

Mrs Luke Foreman;

By whom sold, London, Christie's, 9 July 1822, lot 65 (as Mieris), for £8-2s. to John Bartie.