Vincent (Cent) van Gogh, Princenhage (1820-88; painter Vincent van Gogh had ten aunts and uncles on his father's side, but it was arguably his Uncle Vincent (Uncle 'Cent') who had the most influence on Vincent's life. By the time Vincent was five years old his Uncle Cent had become a highly respected art dealer. Uncle Cent was a partner in the successful art firm of Goupil & Co. and he ran Goupil's branch in The Hague with great skill. Uncle Cent lived with his wife, Cornelia (née Carbentus), in the Brabant village of Prinsenhage where he frequently visited Vincent's parents. The couple was childless and, as a result, Uncle Cent took an interest in young Vincent as he was growing up. Uncle Cent may have considered Vincent a potential successor to his position at Goupil's)
Acquired by the family of the present owner in 1964; thence by descent

The panel is flat, even and ensuring a stable support. Ultra-violet light reveals one spot of retouching in the sky above the house closer to the left edge and some other small scattered spots in the sky. The picture is otherwise in very good condition and ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame. Colours are somewhat less red than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Jewel-like in its detail, the present work is a prime example of the winter landscapes which make Schelfhout one of the leading Dutch artists of the 19th century. Bathing the scene in gentle light, the artist demonstrates his breathtaking technical virtuosity in rendering the luminosity and crispness of the frozen river, incorporating characteristic elements such as the central group around the 'Koek en Zopie' stall, Dutch windmill and farmhouse, and distant skaters.