Paul Bril

With David Koetser, Zurich;
From whom purchased by the present collector at the Maastricht Fine Art Fair.  

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting on copper is in beautiful state. The copper is un-reinforced but is stabilized by a wooden frame work around the edges. The only restoration of note is to a pentimenti situated around the figure of the mother and child in the lower left. Other than this, the condition is lovely and in its current frame, the picture should be hung as is.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

It has been suggested that the owl in the upper right hand corner is wearing glasses and that this could be the artist's signature device, as "bril" in Dutch means glasses.

Alhough born in Antwerp, Bril is recorded as a member of the Accademia di San Luca in Rome by 1582. His active membership in the Accademia culminated in his post as principal there in 1620. Though Bril's early landscapes are closer to Flemish prototypes his later works, for example those that post-date 1605, are more greatly influenced by those of his contempories in Rome, such Annibale Carracci and Adam Elsheimer.