Studio of Jacob Jordaens

The actual painting is warmer in tone and shows less contrast in the colours than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas is relined. The paint surface is somewhat worn. A few refilled and retouched damages are visible to the naked eye, of which a diagonal and a vertical one are running through Apollo's body and red drapery, others are visible in the reclining female nude, in the foreground lower centre, in the upper centre and in the right corner. A few tiny paint losses can be observed in the centre. The paint surface is under a fine layer of dirt and discoloured varnish. Inspection under UV-light confirms abovementioned restorations and reveals additional minor retouchings and strengthening in the figures as well as in the background foliage and foreground area. Offered in a large, ornate gilt wood frame with some damages on the right edge. (JD)
"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 subject is taken from Ovid, Metamorphoses, XI: 146-193. The musical contest between Apollo and Pan was judged by the mountain god Tmolus, here seated in the centre, wearing an oak-leaf crown. Tmolus declared Apollo the victor, but King Midas, who was also present, objected, proclaiming that Pan should have won. In this painting, Midas has already received his punishment for favouring the wrong contestant: the vengeful Apollo gave him the ears of an ass.

Although the original composition is unrecorded, a similar version was offered, London, Christie's, 13 September 1991, lot 143, as follower of Jacob Jordaens. In comparison with a painting by Jacob Jordaens of the same subject in a private collection in Germany¹, it is plausible that the original composition, which is probably lost, was painted around 1640.

The figures of Midas and Pan relate to another painting by Jordaens of the same subject, which is now in the Museo del Prado, Madrid (inv. no. 1551), and was painted after a study by Rubens for the Torre de la Parada.²

1. See R.A. d'Hulst, Jacob Jordaens, London 1982, pp. 73-4, reproduced fig. 145.
2. See M. Jaffé, Rubens, Milan 1989, p. 353, cat. nos. 1236-1237, reproduced.