Flemish School, first half of the 17th Century

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is secured by a thick and slightly yellowed varnish and there is fine craquelure throughout. There is a restored areas of paint losss in the boar's eye and a small vertical surface scratch to the right of Meleager's collar. There is also a vertical line of what appears to be stretcher damage. There are some retouchings throughout, particularly to the details of Meleager's collar and hat. Futher inspection under UV is not possible due to the varnish, although the most recent retouchings do flouresce. Unframed.
"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."

Meleager, Prince of Calydon in Anatolia, set out with a band of men to kill the wild boar which the goddess Diana had sent down to ravage the countryside after his father had offended her. After the boar was killed, Meleager presented Atalanta, his loved one, with the head and pelt.  This gift displeased some of his crew and a fight ensued in which Meleager killed his two uncles.  When Meleager had been born, the Fates had decided that Meleager would not die until a log of wood which was burning in a fire was completely consumed. When he was still a child his mother had removed the log from the fire to save his life, but now, horrified at the death of her two brothers, she threw it back onto the fire and Meleager slowly died.