Richard Brakenburgh (1650–1702), Workshop of - The Feast of Saint Nicholas

Richard Brakenburgh (1650–1702) and/or studio The Feast of Saint Nicholas Oil on canvas 17th century An impressive and highly detailed Dutch Golden Age genre painting depicting a lively domestic celebration traditionally identified as The Feast of Saint Nicholas. The large composition shows a crowded interior filled with women, children and men engaged in various activities. The animated figures, expressive faces, warm interior palette and theatrical arrangement are characteristic of the Haarlem genre tradition associated with Richard Brakenburgh (Haarlem, 1650–1702). Brakenburgh was a pupil of Hendrick Mommers and worked within the tradition of humorous and lively domestic genre scenes closely associated with painters such as Jan Steen. Attribution The composition is documented in the archives of the RKD – Netherlands Institute for Art History. The painting was previously sold at Sotheby’s Amsterdam, Sale 494, Lot 203, November 1988, where it was catalogued as Circle of Richard Brakenburgh. The composition was subsequently recorded by the RKD and the RKD record was later placed under Richard Brakenburgh. Careful comparison with the RKD reference photograph shows that the present painting corresponds extremely closely to the documented composition. However, the facial treatment of two female figures differs slightly from the version visible in the RKD image. These differences may indicate studio participation, a workshop version, or alterations within the composition. For this reason, and in order to catalogue the painting conservatively, we offer the work as: Richard Brakenburgh (1650–1702) and/or studio rather than claiming the painting to be entirely by the hand of the artist. The quality, composition, figure types and overall handling are fully consistent with the artistic environment of Brakenburgh and his workshop. Provenance * Dutch private collection Dimensions Oil on canvas. Overall dimensions including frame: approximately 109.5 × 86.5 cm Presented in an attractive dark wooden frame with gilt inner moulding. Condition The painting is in good and presentable condition considering its age. The canvas has most likely been relined in the past. The paint surface is somewhat dark and the varnish appears aged. In our opinion, professional cleaning could considerably improve the depth, colour and overall appearance of the painting. There is age-related craquelure, surface wear and minor imperfections consistent with a seventeenth-century painting. A small superficial scratch is visible in the varnish in the lower-right section. No recent restoration or cleaning has been undertaken by us. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description. Historical importance This is a particularly substantial and ambitious genre composition associated with Richard Brakenburgh and his studio, measuring over one metre in width including the frame. Further specialist and technical research may help clarify the precise degree of participation by Brakenburgh himself and/or members of his studio. Shipping / transport Due to the size and nature of the painting, standard parcel shipping is not available. Collection in the Netherlands is preferred. Delivery within the Netherlands can be arranged at a favourable rate. For international transport, the buyer may arrange transport independently. We can also recommend a professional fine-art transporter experienced in handling paintings of this size and age. At the buyer’s request, we can obtain a transport quotation before or after the auction. All transport costs are at the buyer’s expense and must be settled before collection or shipment.

Estimation:€2,100

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