Follower of Jan Breughel the Younger and Hendrick van Balen

Collection of Alexander Arensberg, London:
Roerich Museum, New York, by 1927;
Their sale, New York, American Art Association, Anderson Galleries,  27 March, 1930, lot 19 (as Jan van Kessel) where acquired by;
Clapp and Graham as agent to;
George F. Harding, Jr., Chicago, by 1924;
By whom bequeathed to the George F. Harding Museum, Chicago, 1939;
From there transferred to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1982.

Panel is uncradled. there are three small losses in background at center right and some scuffs at left side from rubbing of frame. under a dirty, discolored old varnish. overall there is very good retention of the paint surface and very nice detail throughout the composition. under ultraviolet light: can't see much due to the thick, old varnish. there are some scattered retouches to the distant landscape and sky at right side and one or two retouches to figure of Venus. painting would benefit from a light cleaning and fresh varnish. In a gilt wood frame with black patterned decoration; chips and losses to 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.
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This composition repeats that of Fire from a set of four allegories by Jan Breughel the Younger with figures of Amor, Venus and Vulcan painted by Hendrick van Balen most likely dating to 1620 (now Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon, inv. no. A-75) which in turn was a free copy after a work by Jan Brueghel the Elder (Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome).¹

1.  K. Ertz, Jan Breughel the Younger (1601 - 1678) The paintings with oeuvre catalogue, vol I, Freren 1984, pp.362-363, cat. no. 196, reproduced p.363