Follower of Jan Brueghel the Elder

Bought by the present owners in the 1980s.

The actual painting is warmer and deeper in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. There are two small dents along the right edge, but otherwise, the copper plate is flat and stable, and has been laid down on panel. Very tiny flecks of paint loss are visible in the red drapery of the figure of earth, and in the ground centre left and right. A small retouched surface scratch is visible in the upper left corner. The impasto and texture of the paint layer is nicely preserved. Tiny scattered retouchings can be observed in the foliage lower right, and in the centre, in the figure most left, and in the areas of the sky left and right. The paint surface is covered with a shiny and reasonably clear layer of varnish. Inspection under Ultra-Violet light confirms the aforementioned retouchings and reveals additional tiny scattered retouchings in the cities and figures in the background, in the figures in the foreground, in the foliage lower left, and in the foliage upper centre. Offered in a plain wood frame with gilt fillets and faux tortoise-shell inlay, 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."

The composition derives from a painting by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Hendrik van Balen in the Galleria Doria Pamphilij, Rome,¹ which forms part of a series of four allegories of the Elements. These became hugely popular in the 17th Century, and many copies were produced by close followers of Brueghel the Elder, and likewise in the workshop of Jan Breughel the Younger. A good example by the latter, painted in collaboration with Hendrik van Balen is in the Musée des Beaux Arts, Lyon.²

1. See K. Ertz, Jan Brueghel der Ältere, Cologne 1979, p. 599, cat. no. 248, reproduced p. 370, fig. 439.
2. See K. Ertz, Jan Breughel der Jüngere, Freren 1984, pp. 357-8, cat. no. 193, reproduced p. 360.