Daniel Vertangen

Copper is slightly bent at upper right corner. under an uneven varnish. there is generally very good retention of the paint surface and very nice detail in figures and landscape. there is some minor scuffing at edges from rubbing of frame. ultraviolet light reveals only a few small retouches in sky and a small one in landscape at left side. In a varnished brown wood 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 Marijke C. de Kinkelder of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie, The Hague for identifying this painting as a work by Vertangen, and for identifying the subject.

The story is from Ovid's Metamorphoses (I:348-415); Deucalion and his wife Pyrrha were the sole survivors of a great flood that had destroyed all mankind.  They were advised by an oracle to veil their heads and "throw the bones of your great mother behind you," which they interpreted to mean the rocks of Mother Earth.  The rocks which Deucalion threw turned into men and those that Pyrrha threw became women, and thus a new human race was created.