Follower of Pieter Casteels III

The actual painting is slightly less red and softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a stable relining. Stretcher marks are slightly visible to the front. No major damages are visible to the naked eye. A few small retouched paint losses can be observed in the sky upper right, in the foliage upper left, and in the background centre right. The brushwork and impasto in the birds have been nicely preserved. The paint surface is under a slightly dirty layer of varnish. Inspection under Ultra-Violet light confirms the aforesaid and reveals that the sky has been significantly over painted, for no obvious reason. Additional scattered retouchings are revealed in the trees upper centre, along the lower edge, in the foreground lower centre and lower right, and minor ones in the birds. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame, in fair condition with a few losses and chips along all edges. (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."