Treasure: Etching likely of 19th-century Dutch origin
‘The attached pictures are of an etching that was given to me in April 1981 by Gerard Kroon, who was then a principal in the healthcare system of the Netherlands,” wrote Lorna Pendell of Clarkston to the column in an email. “He and some 40 Dutch colleagues were guests of the then Mercy Health Services corporation in Farmington Hills for the purpose of their learning about the formation of a healthcare system (a relatively new concept at the time) and to meet with MHS leadership.
“When the etching was gifted to me as the organizer of the symposium, I was told that the etching was quite old. It is a lovely, detailed piece and has hung in my home ever since. In addition to the markings shown on one of the attached pictures, there are words/names (?) on both the lower left and lower right of the piece that can be reasonably deciphered with a magnifying glass.”
Signed N.W. D. Kellen in the lower right, it is probably of Dutch origin, says appraiser Brian Thomczek, who took a closer look at it as part of a Trash or Treasure appraisal session held at Judy Frankel Antiques in Troy. An internet search gave few answers about the artist’s identity, revealing only that there was an artist known as David van der Kellen (1804-1879) who was an engraver who lived in the northern Netherlands.
Pendell’s piece is an etching, he told her. “So that’s essentially a print,” he added, pointing out that the piece has a bit of what’s known as foxing, or damage, in the corners. That can be taken care of in conservation, and is very common with works on paper, he said.
“I would guess it’s probably 19th century and is obviously Dutch,” he said of her image of a group of women in costume in an interior, one that could possibly be a court scene. “I know you’d like me to say that it’s 18th century, but I feel that it more likely dates to the mid-19th century, which isn’t exactly new by American standards but is newer by European.”
The small print measures 6-by 81/2-inches, about 11-by 13-1/2 framed. “It’s a very nice and old print, but most don’t bring great amounts of money unless they’re by a famous maker,” Thomczek told Pendell, appraising it at $150-$250.
Pendell says it doesn’t matter that it’s not worth a fortune. “I’m not worried about what it’s worth or that it’s not valuable,” adding that she was curious more than anything. “I’ve just always liked it.”
Do you have an object you would like to know more about? Send a photo and description that includes how you acquired the object to: The Detroit News, Trash or Treasure?, 160 W. Fort St., Detroit, MI 48226. Include your name and daytime telephone number. You may also send your photo and description to trashortreas@aol.com. If chosen you’ll need to bring the items to an appraisal session. Letters are edited for style and clarity. Photos cannot be returned.
About this item
Item: 19th-century Dutch print
Owner: Lorna Pendell, Clarkston
Appraised by: Brian Thomczek
Estimated value: Approximately $150-$250 retail