After Maerten de Vos

All four paintings are darker in tone hand have less contrast in the colours than the catalogue illustration suggests. All four paintings are unlined and stretcher marks are visible to the front. The condition of all four paintings is problematic. The paint surface is unstable and is flaking throughout. Old retouchings are visible in all paintings, mainly in the sky and water in the background areas. Pigments of the darker hues have deteriorated, for example in the bird in the second illustrated painting and in the eagle in the fourth. Some filled and retouched damages are visible in all four paintings, scattered throughout. The paint surface is under a very dense and coarse craquelure pattern. The varnish layer is very dirty and discoloured. The paintings need to be cleaned and restored. In addition to this, the following can be mentioned: - a hole of circa 5 cm is visible in the first illustrated painting left of the female figure - a damage in the eyes of the female figure and in the dog of the third painting - a filled and retouched damage in the face of the female figure in the fourth painting. Inspection under UV-light is impeded by the old varnish layer, but a few spots of retouching become visible, such as a filled and retouched damage in the bird and a spot in the water below in the second illustrated painting. Offered in old ebony and parcel-gilt wood frames, probably original.
"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 compositions are based on Maerten de Vos' engravings of the Five Senses, published by Raphael Sadeler in 1581 (see Hollstein's Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, Rotterdam 1996, vol. XLIV, Maarten de Vos, p. 297, nos. 1506-1510, reproduced vol. XLVI, p. 242-244). The paintings can be dated toward the end of the 17th Century.