catalog text
FINE OIL ON CANVAS BY DAVID DE LA MAR (DUTCH, 1832-1898) OF MAN SORTING WOOL
Signed lower left "D. de la Mar"
Item # 508YQP16Q
This exquisite scene is noteworthy for its darkness and the skillful use of only the most subtle amounts of light to illuminate the subject. Only the edges of his shoulders show the soft glow of illumination, a subtle light source off to the right probably just a small window allowing just a glimmer of light while a window above his work table to the left lights the wool in his hands enough to work with. This is a work that is slowly unpackaged, the depth of color and build up beneath each detail in the scene being significant and complete - the impressionistic nature combined with the spare use of light and cool tones develop a certain melancholy in the work that leaves the viewer wondering about the wool worker and his situation.
Preserved on it's original lining, the work has been carefully conserved and remains in simply gorgeous condition with an early and possibly original frame. This is a precious piece that will certainly be cherished by any serious collector of the Dutch school. An interesting scene of similar inspiration by David de la Mar sold at Sotheby's (March 2011, lot 1089, achieved 4000 Euros), likewise having a great emphasis on the hands of an impoverished worker.
Measurements: [frame] 27 1/4" H x 22 1/4" W x 3 1/4" D; [canvas] 16 7/8" H x 11 7/8" W
Condition Report:
Original lining, professionally conserved in the last ten to twenty years: under UV showing inpainting along edges where frame would rub (mostly upper right edge), inpainting to forehead, below left hand in wool; fresh varnish casting a milky green hue across surface that makes the rest difficult to read. Surface with craquelure throughout. Frame with light chips and overpainting.