Flemish School, 17th Century

P. Wallraf, London, by 1963 (as Jan Brueghel the Elder);
With Old Masters Gallery, London, 1966 (as David Teniers the Younger).

This vivacious sheet of studies has hitherto defied satisfactory attribution.  In type, but not in handling, it resembles the oil on paper and panel studies now generally accepted as by Jan Brueghel the Younger.  It is also reminiscent of the more freely painted works of Frans Snyders.

Very similar monkeys, such as the standing monkey to the left, can be seen in another oil sketch, traditionally attributed to Paul de Vos (1595-1678) of Monkeys, Ducks and Geese, sold Amsterdam, Fred. Muller, 6 May 1913, lot 116.

According to a note in the RKD, The Hague, this painting was attributed to Jan Brueghel the Elder by Ludwig Burchard in 1963.  It was subsequently given to David Teniers the Younger.