Workshop of Pieter Brueghel the Younger (Master B) Brussels 1564 - 1637/8 Antwerp

Dr. C.F.K. van Aalst, Hoevelaken,
His sale, London, Christie's, 1 April 1960, lot 15;
Sale, London, Sotheby's, 19 October 1977, lot 29;
Anonymous sale, London, Phillips, 6 April 1995, lot 34.

G. Marlier, Pierre Breughel le Jeune, Brussels 1969, p. 315, no. 8.
K. Ertz, Pieter Breughel der Jüngere, Lingen 2000, vol. I, p. 319, no. A 279, reproduced, as probably by Master B.

The actual painting is warmer in tone and is less bright in the colours than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined (wax). The paint surface is somewhat flattened, mainly noticeable in the water and sky and slightly worn in the upper right corner. Otherwise the painting is in very good condition and no major damages are visible to the naked eye. A few discoloured retouchings can be seen in the upper right corner, in the sky and in a few of the figures. The paint surface is covered with a slightly glossy varnish layer. Inspection under UV-light reveals retouchings throughout, especially in the sky, and in the blueish-grey costumes of the figures, as well as in the foreground area. Offered in a gilt wood layered frame with black border, in good condition. (JD)
"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."

This composition is based upon an original painted by Pieter Breughel the Elder in the Museés Royeaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels (inv. no. 3929), generally dated around 1556. A number of versions of this composition exist, of which the prime large-scale version is the one generally accepted as by Pieter Breughel the Younger in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia (inv. no. 83-73).¹ Ertz has assembled a group of derived works which he separates into two distinct hands: Meister A and Meister B.²  To the latter Master he attributes the present picture, which he considers of very high quality, especially shown in the rich draperies.

1.  See Ertz under Literature, pp. 306-9, 317, no. E 267, reproduced.
2.  Idem, pp. 306-10, 317-320, nos. A 273 and further.