Studio of Jan Breughel the Younger , and Studio of Jan van Kessel Antwerp 1601 - 1678

Offered, London, Sotheby's, 8 July 2004, lot 104.

The actual painting is less red, but warmer in tone in the background, than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel has been heavily cradled on the reverse and is relatively flat. Two horizontal cracks run across the middle of the picture, roughly parallel to each other and approx. 1-3 cm. apart, and two further cracks run parallel to the top edge. Other shorter cracks are visible running from the upper left and upper right edges (the longest of which runs from the red squirrel centre right to the group of trees in the centre). The painting has been cleaned relatively recently and the varnish is slightly opaque. Restoration along the various cracks are visible to the naked eye, as is a repaired loss (2 by 3.5 cm.) in the lower right foreground. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals scattered strengthenings in the darkest areas of the picture (some of them under the present varnish layer): to parts of the foliage in the trees, particularly above and below the aforementioned cracks; in the landscape and foreground areas to the left of the figure group; to the goat and to some of the shadows on the figures. A few delicate retouchings are also discernible on her face. The landscape background and still life elements are for the most part well preserved (there is only minor strengthening to windows and doors of the castle in the middle distance). Overall the painting is in fairly good condition, though a little thin in the brown mid-tones. The modern Dutch-style frame, with faux tortoiseshell and rippled mouldings, is in good condition. (JS)
"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 work is derived from a painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Hendrik van Balen of slightly larger size in the Galleria Doria Pamphilij, Rome.¹ A copy of the same composition by Jan Brueghel the Younger in collaboration with Hendrik van Balen is in the Musée des Beaux Arts, Lyon.² The paintings in the Doria Pamphilij and in the Musée des Beaux Arts are respectively part of a set of four paintings depicting the elements.  This and similar compositions originating with Jan Brueghel the Elder were hugely popular in the 17th Century, and many versions were produced by Jan Brueghel's workshop.

1. See K. Ertz, Jan Brueghel Der Ältere, Cologne 1979, p. 599, cat. no. 248, reproduced p. 370, fig. 439.
2. See K. Ertz, Jan Breughel the Younger, Freren 1984, pp. 357-8, cat. no. 193, reproduced p. 360.