Workshop of Jan Brueghel the Younger Workshop of Hendrik van Balen the Elder Antwerp 1601 - 1679 Antwerp 1575 - 1632

Marshall Field and Company, Chicago;
From whom purchased by the family of the present owners, 1927.

Panel has been cradled and is flat and stable. There appear to be three vertical joins running top to bottom. One of these joins is slightly visible at center, mostly at the lower portion of the composition; two others are partially visible at right and left sides. Overall the paint surface has been well retained with very good detail and strong coloration. There are only some slight thinnesses in some areas in the upper background and upper foliage. Under UV light: there is retouching along a vertical crack at upper edge to left of center (about 6 inches long) which runs down in background to just above the seated figures of gods. There is also retouching along the join at right side from top edge through foliage and through the figure of the seated woman at lower right. There is a separate larger retouch in her arms that continues down to her lap and another area on her lower leg. Retouching on the left join runs through the putti and garland upper left down to center and there is retouching along what appears to be a vertical crack that runs from lower left edge up through the figure of the kneeling woman bending over lower left. There are other small retouches at the upper edge in the seated figures at the table; others scattered in the sky at center and here and there in foreground figures. Offered in a carved and gilt 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.

Similar compositions produced within the Brueghel and van Balen workshops have appeared recently on the market. See, for example, Zürich, Koller Aktionen, 27 March 2015, lot 3060 and Fontainebleau, Osenat Maison, 23 February 2014, lot 317.