Follower of Pieter Brueghel the Younger

Probably Maximilian II. Emanuel, Bavarian Elector (1662-1726);
Probably given to Count Johann Franz Ignaz von Seyboltstorff (1673-1711), (1618-1699);
Thence by descent to Karl August Graf von Freyen-Seyboltstorff (1867-1945);
After the death of the last family member given to the present owner's late father.

The actual painting has less contrast and is a bit darker in tone than the catalogue illustration suggest. The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is covered under a fine layer of dirt. The varnish is slightly discoloured. The paint surface seems to be in good condition, although fairly flattened, due to the relining. A horizontal seam is running from the left to the right edge approximately 10 cm. from the lower edge. Another vertical seam is visible at about 45 cm. from the left. Thinness can be observed, especially in the foreground. There are several restored and retouched spots of paint loss, of which the largest, to the lower left corner, is approximately 7 by 3 cm. Smaller retouchings can be seen throughout. Inspection under ultra violet light is partly obscured by the varnish layer, but does reveal small retouchings throughout, as well as some minor sdtrengthening in a few of the figures. One larger area of retouching can be seen upper left in the foliage. Offered in a later gilt wood frame with a flower pattern. The frame has a few chips, but is in fair condition. (MW)
"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 composition by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, of which the probable prime original is a work signed and dated 1615 in a Belgian private collection. (See K. Ertz, Pieter Brueghel der Jüngere (1564-1637/38), Lingen 1998/2000, vol. I, p. 417-438, cat. no. 414, reproduced on p. 418, fig. 292). The figure group in the centre of the present painting is a direct copy. The composition differs however in the addition of the military guards in the centre foreground, the soldiers to the right, as well as the addition of the figures in the left foreground.

It is most unusual for a work by a follower of Brueghel to have had such a long continuous and distinguished provenance. It was presented by Maximilian II. Emanuel, Bavarian Elector (1662-1726) to Count Johann Franz Ignaz von Seyboltstorff (1673-1711), chamberlain and privy counsellor to the Elector, son of Johann Georg Graf Freyen-Seyboltstorff (1618-1699, created Freiherr in 1669,count of the Holy Roman Empire in 1690). It is said that this painting was part of compensation the Elector gave Seyboltstorff as thanks for supporting his political aims.