Wouter Knijff (Dutch, 1607-1693)

Wouter Knijff
(Dutch, 1607-1693)

"Amsterdam, View of the Delft with the Oude Kerk in the Background", ca. 1650

oil on wood panel
monogrammed and dated "165_?" lower left center, old stencil and English label en verso.
Framed.
20-5/8" x 33", framed 28" x 40-3/8"

Provenance: Probably Paul Brandt, Amsterdam, May 20, 1980, lot 8; Private collection, Germany/Florida, U.S.A.
Condition Report: No inpainting detected under UV light, but numerous layers of varnish (many of which are not uniformly applied) obscure view. Painting exhibits blooming and yellowing to varnish, surface soiling, fine craquelure throughout, a few pinhead-sized losses to lower center foreground and right edge, and a few specks of flaking to the sky - none are overtly visible due to intact underpainting. Under UV light, a probable inscription/text was detected in the lower left corner, but heavy varnish and soiling made it too difficult to discern. Please see additional photographs under UV light and also of monogram/date visible in white light. In overall good condition; condition is commensurate with age, material and use. Frame has several repairs, is lacking the lower right corner and has scattered nicks and losses to gesso and gilding throughout.