Simon Pietersz. Verelst

Needham's Antiques Inc., New York;
There purchased by the family of the present owner in 1961.

Canvas relined. Overall, the composition presents a handsome image, with nice retention of coloration. A new varnish has been (seemingly) randomly applied here and there on the canvas. We recommend that this varnish be removed and that a new varnish be applied by a professional restorer. U.V. reveals that most of the canvas, accept for the heads of the flowers, is under an old milky varnish. Some old restorations fluoresce from under this varnish, as do some newer retouches to the flowers and to other places, for example, the wings of the white butterfly. In a carved and gilt wood frame with minor abrasions to gilding and frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Fred Meijer for confirming the attribution, based on images.  He believes this painting to date from later in Verelst's career, but still before circa 1700.