Lot 189: JACOB GILLIG | Still life of freshwater fish piled high in a carved stone niche

oil on canvas

50.4 cm by 40.5 cm

oil on canvas

The canvas has been relined, and the painting has been recently cleaned and varnished. Inspection under ultraviolet reveals minor, spot retouchings throughout the fish, very sensitively executed. There is also scattered strengthening and retouching to the border, particularly along the upper and right margins. There is a patch of restoration in the tail of the foremost fish, measuring approx. 2 by 5 cm. In overall very good condition, without a need for further intervention. Inspection of images of this painting at the time of the 1960 sale indicate that the decorative boarder is a later addition, executed some time after that date. Offered in a reproduction plain Dutch dark wood frame in excellent 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."

Stockholm, Nationalmuseum, on loan (according to a label on the reverse).

Count Ugglass, Forssma Castle, Sweden;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 3 Febuary 1960, lot 110, for £25 to Rapp (incorrectly dated 1660);
Anonymous sale, Stockholm, Stockholms Auktionsverk, 19 April 1966, lot 532;
Anonymous sale, Stockholm, Bukowski, 26–28 May 2003, lot 398 (incorrectly dated 1666);
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 6 July 2006, lot 171.