Hans Bollongier

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 4 July 1997, lot 282;
There purchased by the present owner. 

Panel is uncradled. there is a vertical join that runs top to bottom through tulips on right side and is slightly visible to the naked eye, but is not distracting. there is some thinness in the browns of the vase and background area between the flowers that is just above the vase. there is also some thinness in the leaves in the background between the two tulips at right, in the left part of the tulip top right, and in the yellow flowers at top. despite this, the painting still reads quite well overall and there is quite nice retention of the paint surface in many of the flowers. under UV light, one can see retouching along the join; others scattered here and there on flowers, background and foreground. some of these are to address inpaintng along the wood grain. the painting is presentable and can be hung in its present state. In a plain dark 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.

When last sold (see Provenance), Fred Meijer of the RKD supported the attribution to Bollongier, and dated the work to circa 1640.