Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne

Some paint losses along the edges due to frame abrasion. Some small retouches are visible throughout. There is a retouched area in the lower right corner as well as along the lower right edge. There are some retouches and a small restoration of approximately four cm along the lower left edge. A small scratch of ca two cm is visible in the upper left corner (also visible on catalogue image). The panel is slightly warped. The background appears more yellow in the catalogue image. It has a more bluish green hue in actuality.
"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."

The subject appears to refer to the struggle between the Seven Provinces, represented by the peasant to the right, who wears a seafarer's or fisherman's hat, and the Spanish Netherlands, represented by the well-dressed Spaniard to the left.  It may allude to a dispute over the spoils of trade, since the Dutch economy was built on overseas trade, and Spanish wealth was dependent on gold mined in the New World, represented by the fellow with an Indian headdress.  The burning city walls beyond are probably intended to be those of Antwerp.

Bears a label on the reverse with a print and an old verse about the Dutch and Spanish.