Follower of Sir Peter Paul Rubens

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is generally secure although due to some wear there are substantial areas of retouching. The crawuelure is secured by a thick varnish which preveents throrough inspection under UV light although scattered retouchings do flouresce. Offered in a wood and plaster painted 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. 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 a further five known versions of this composition. The first, to which the present lot seems to relate most closely, is in Siegen, Museum des Siegerlandes. The other versions are in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (inv. no. A 345) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Dunkirk, and the final two versions are in private collections. For a discussion of the different versions of this composition, see Burlington Magazine, December 1954, Plate X, ill., and Wildenstein & Co. Ltd., Peter Paul Rubens, exh. cat., 4 October - 11 November 1950, pp. 8 and 9.