Attributed to Jacob Grimmer, and Antwerp 1525/6 - 1590 Attributed to Gillis Mostaert Hulst circa 1528/9 - 1598 Antwerp

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The oak panel is in good condition with a slight curvature. The paint layer is stable and flat and small restored losses can be seen across the surface along with the remains of an older patchy varnish. The sky has been significantly over painted and it is not obvious why this should be so. The paint in the foreground is in a good condition, well preserved with subtle details intact. The removal of the discoloured varnish would improve the tonality. Offered in a gilt wood frame, with some losses."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

It is most likely that Jacob Grimmer painted the landscape and Gillis Mostaert the figures. The two painters are known to have collaborated on other occasions, for example in a pair of signed landscapes on panel in the Museo Civico di Cremona (inv. no. 200 and 201; see R. de Bertier de Sauvigny, Jacob et Abel Grimmer, Brussels 1991, p. 81, cat. no XLV, reproduced p. 79).