Attributed to Paul de Vos

With J. Bohler, by 1929;
With Kunsthandel A.G., Lucerne, by 1934;
With Bohler, Lucerne, 1949 (Witt Library Mount);
Anonymous sale, Cologne, Lempertz, 6 July 1962, where acquired by the present owner.

Wiesbaden, Museum, 5 Sammler- 5 Meinungen, 8 April - 27 May 1973 (as 'Frans Snyders').

The painting is yellower and a little warmer than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an effective relining which has not overly flattened the paint surface. The paint surface is secure and under a thick glossy varnish which has discoloured somewhat. There are some areas of past abrasion, for example in the background and particularly to a patch lower right. 15 cms from the upper edge the canvas was cut in the past to fit a frame. The canvas has now been replaced and is in what appears to be its original rectangular shape. There is a very small hole lower right in the container which holds the artichokes. Inspection under UV light is inconclusive due to the reflective varnish, but some old retouchings do flouresce. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame in fair condition. ER*
"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."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer for tentatively proposing the attribution to Paul de Vos on the basis of photographs.