Jacques Courtois, called Il Borgognone, Abraham Brueghel

D. Graf and E. Schleier, 'Guglielmo Cortese e Abraham Brueghel', in Pantheon, vol. XXXI, 1973, pp. 52-53, reproduced in colour p. 47;
L. Salerno, Nuovi studi sulla natura morta Italiana, Rome 1989, p. 84, reproduced fig. 75.

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is dirty with a discoloured varnish. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. Inspection under UV light reveals retouching to the face, arm, and blue shirt of the figure in the lower right, and a patch of retouching in the dark tones in the upper right corner. There are also retouchings in the flesh of the putti holding up the basket, and some other minor cosmetic retouches scattered throughout. In overall very nice condition for a canvas of this size. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame in good condition.
"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."

There are several preparatory drawings for Courtois' figures in this composition, namely of the putto raising the basket of fruit over his head, and of the leg and foot of the girl seated, now in the Kunstmuseum, Düsseldorf.¹

1. Inv. nos FP 8156 r and 8185 v; see Graf and Schleier 1973, p. 49, figs 3 and 4.