Studio of Jan Brueghel the Elder

The actual painting is a lot less red and deeper in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The small copper plate is flat and stable. There are two thin retouched scratches in the lower left corner. Otherwise, no damages seem to be apparent, and the paint layer seems to be in excellent condition. Inspection under Ultra-Violet light reveals minor retouching in the sky and in the background centre left. The paint surface is covered with a dirty and discoloured layer of varnish. Offered in a later plain wood frame, 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."

This little copper is a studio replica of high quality of an original composition by Jan Brueghel the Elder, in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich (inv. no. 1893).¹ The small work depicts Albrecht VII, Archduke of Austria and his wife the Infanta Isabella of Spain, in front of their summer retreat and hunting lodge, the castle of Mariemont. The Archduke and his wife enjoyed a great reputation as patrons of the arts. Great painters such as Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and Otto van Veen (1556-1629) were appointed painters to the court, and Jan Brueghel the Elder also worked continuously for the Archduke and his wife. At least three other compositions by Brueghel the Elder of the castle of Mariemont are known: a work in collaboration with Rubens in the Museo del Prado, Madrid (inv. no. 1638), another in the Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond Virginia (inv. no. 53.10) and an unusually large topographical study in Musée Dijon, Dijon (inv. no. CA 102).

1. See K. Ertz, Jan Brueghel der Ältere (1568-1625), Cologne 1979, pp. 70, 72, 157-63, 597, cat. no. 238, reproduced p. 72, fig. 44. According to Ertz, the original composition is a pendant to another extensive landscape with windmills, cat. no. 236, p. 597, reproduced p. 66, fig. 37.