Follower of Hendrick van Balen

The actual painting is slightly softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of two planks, joined horizontally, and is unbevelled. The join has been reinforced with a horizontal strip of wood on the reverse. The panel is partially gessoed on the reverse. The join has been retouched and is visible to the front. A spot of paint loss of approx. 0.5 by 1 cm. is visible in the upper right, and there's a tendency towards flaking. Otherwise the painting ssems to be in good condition. A thin retouched horizontal split is visible in the upper left corner, and a few tiny retouched paint losses are visible above the join to the right. Further retouching is visible in the sky, and tiny scattered retouchings can be seen throughout, e.g. in the building in the background, in the drapery and figure of Batsheba, in the bunnies, monkey and parrots in the foreground, and in the drapery centre right. These retouchings are confirmed by inspection under ultra violet light. The paint surface is covered with a thick and glossy layer of varnish. The craquelure pattern is very fine and dense. Offered in a plain parcel-gilt wood frame with stylised leaf scrolls in all corners, in good 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."

Several copies of this composition exist. See for example the one by Hendrik van Balen, oil on panel, 47 by 63.5 cm., in the private collection of the Earl of Bradford, in care of the Trustees of the Weston Park Foundation, Weston Park, and a smaller copy by Frans Francken the Elder, oil on copper, 33 by 44 cm., in the Brukenthal Museum, Sibiu, Romania.