Studio of Frans Francken the Younger

The Earl of Essex, Cassiobury Park;

Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Gentleman'), London, Sotheby's, 24 October 1973, lots 27 (one of a pair) and lot 28 (as Frans Francken the Younger);

With Gallery George, London, by 1975, where acquired by the present owners.

U. Härting, Studien sur Kabinettbildmalerei des Frans Franken II, Zurich and New York 1983, cat. nos. A14.2, A14.3, A14.4 (as Frans Francken the Younger and Alexander Keirincx (1600- 1652);
U. Härting, Frans Francken der Jüngere: 1581- 1642, vol. II, Freren 1989, pp. 235- 236, cat. nos. 31, 32, 33, reproduced as cropped images (as Frans Francken the Younger).

Abraham and Isaac: There are still areas of impasto such as the birds and the trees which draw the viewer in and create a sense of activity in the composition. The lower left corner has an area of roughly 4 cm² that has been retouched. Along the lower edge of the picture there are small areas of retouching. 21 cm. down from the upper left corner there is a small patch of damage that has been retouched, it is visible to the naked eye as it is raised slightly from the paint surface. The Golden Calf: Slight retouching to the tree far right, as well as, the arm of the servant carrting a tray of food. The female figure center right, turned towards the viewer, has a significant area of retouching on her back. In the center, right of the calf's plinth there are a series of connected lines in the shape of a distorted hexagon. They are just visible to the naked eye. Abraham and three angels: The far left of the painting is rippled, this is most apparent in the top left corner. The smoke coming from the chimney upper left is a later addition. All three are set into a wooden support, all are offered in identical wooden frames, with gilt decoration.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Härting gives these works to Frans Francken the Younger on the basis of photographs. However the strong use of colour in the landscapes of two of the works, The sacrifice of Isaac and Abraham and the three angels, suggest to her a collaboration with Antwerp painter Alexander Keirincx. The subjects derive from both Genesis and Exodus, possibly these were once part of a larger series of Old Testament scenes.