Gesina Terborch, attributed to
Portrait of Cornelis de Graeff
Oil on canvas (relined). 38.2 x 29.1 cm.
Gerard Terborch's portrait of Cornelis de Graeff, depicted in a similar pose but in a different robe and probably a few years younger than in our picture, can be found in the Mauritshuis in The Hague. Dated 1674, this image is one of the artist's most beautiful portraits. Terborch obviously knew the family well as he painted Pieter de Graeff (private collection) and Jacob de Graeff (Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam) in the same year.
Although the present painting was published by Waagen and Hofstede de Groot as a work by Gerard Terborch, Gudlaugsson suggested the attribution of Michiel van Musscher, without obtaining general acceptance. In light of the obvious connection to the de Graeff family and the similarity with the portrait in The Hague, this could be a work by the talented daughter and collaborator Gesina Terborch.
Provenance
John Vivian (1756-1828), Claverton Manor, Bath. - George Vivian (1798.1873). - By descent to their daughter Cacily Marjory Vivian-Neal. - Christie´s, London 15. 07.1955, lot 89. - Bukowski´s, Stockholm 15.04.1959, lot 218. - Christie´s, London, 27.06.69, lot 85. - Paul Brandt, Amsterdam 11.05.1979, lot 8. - Sotheby´s, London 02.04.2018, lot 121 (atttributed to circle of Terborch).
Literature
G. Waagen: Treasures of Art in Great Britain, London 1854, vol. III, p. 177 (as Gerard Terborch). - C. Hofstede de Groot: A catalogue raisonné ..., London 1913, vol. V, p.110, no. 344 c (as Gerard Terborch). - A.W. and C.M. Vivan-Neal, Poundisford Park, Somerset: A catalogue of pictures and furniture, Taunton 1939, p. 31/32, no. 58 (as Gerard Terborch). - S. J. Gudlaugsson: Gerard Terborch, The Hague 1959/60, vol. II, p. 226, no. 262 (as Michiel van Musscher (?), "frei nach Terborch, ca. 1678").
Exhibitions
Bath, Holburne Museum, 1926- 1928 as a loan.- London, Royal Academy, Dutch Art 1450 - 1900, 1929, no. 243 (as Gerard Terborch). - Bristol, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Art treasures of the West Cluntry, 1937, no. 13 (as Gerard Terborch). - London, Royal Academy, Dutch Pictures 1450 - 1750, 1952/53, no. 396 (as Gerard Terborch).