Jan van den Hecke the Elder Kwaremont 1619/20 - 1684 Antwerp

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. Hunting panel: The copper panel is thin, with pronounced surface deformations. The paint surface is stable. Discoloured retouchings upper right and left can be seen where paint loss has occurred. There is also thinness to the paint in this area. Removal of the discoloured varnish would improve tonality. Picnicking panel: The panel has fewer deformations. Discoloured retouchings can be seen in the sky where the original paint layer is thin. There are minor abrasions to the darker passages in the foreground. A similar discoloured varnish to the 'Hunting panel'."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Jan van den Hecke was experienced in more than one genre. In his multi-figured landscapes he is clearly inspired by Pieter Gijsels (1621-1690), to whom this pair of paintings was formerly attributed.

The park landscape is similar to that in a painting attributed to Jan van den Hecke, with similar dimensions, which was sold, New York, Sotheby's, 3 October 1996, lot 166. A painting of Travellers halting near a village, signed and dated1663, was sold, Amsterdam, Christie's, 29 November 1988, lot 7.