Lot 139: WILLEM BARTSIUS | Abraham pleading with Sarah on behalf of Hagar

oil on canvas

120.8 by 89.2 cm.; 47 1/2  by 35 1/8  in.

oil on canvas

The canvas has a modern relining. The paint surface is secure and clean. The signed canvas appears to the naked eye to be in good condition with no major damages. The brown tones of the painting appear a little abraded. Inspection under UV light reveals minor scattered retouchings in the background, a restored bell-shaped tear centre left as well as a restored horizontal tear of 40 cm. upper right. Retouchings have been applied along the edge of the building upper centre as well as small scattered strengthenings to add definition in the darker tones. The figures are in large part well preserved with just small retouchings. Offered in a modern, black, Dutch style frame in 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."

Northridge, California State University, Baroque Masters from the J. Paul Getty Museum, 26 February – 20 March 1973, no. 1.

Baroque Masters from the J. Paul Getty Museum, exhibition catalogue, Northridge 1973, p. 1, cat. no. 1 (as The Expulsion of Hagar[?]);
B.B. Fredericksen, `Recent Gifts of Paintings', in The J. Paul Getty Museum Journal, vol. 3, 1976, pp. 119, 121, reproduced p. 118 (as possibly Blind Tobit and Anna);
P.C. Sutton, A Guide to Dutch Art in America, Washington 1986, p. 138;
D. Jaffé, Summary Catalogue of European Paintings in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles 1997, p. 6, reproduced;
B van Haute, 'Willem Bartsius and the art of Dutch history painting', in Oud Holland, vol. 121, 2008, no. 4, pp. 218-220, 223, 224, 225, 244, reproduced p. 219, fig. 2.

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 4 July 1927, lot 128 (as The Sacrifice of Abraham with Sarah, on the promise of Isaac), for 26 guineas;
With Central Picture Galleries, New York;
There bought by Dr. William P. Garred, Onawa Iowa, in 1971;
By whom donated to the J. Paul Getty Museum in 1972 (inv. no. 71.PA.70);
By whom deaccessioned and sold, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 8 May 2007, lot 56, where bought on behalf of the present owner.