Frans Francken the Younger

Anonymous sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 12 June 1990, lot 136, for AS 320,000.

U. Härting, Frans Francken der Jüngere, Freren 1989, p. 292, cat. no. 221, reproduced.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The oak panel has been crudely cradled and the central join is unstable and deformed ; further restored horizontal cracks and splits are visible . The area above the central join is generally in a good condition, barring some minor repairs. The area beneath shows instability and paint loss to the cracks and splits, some of which are restored. There are areas in a good preserved condition including many of the faces of the figures and their clothing, this is particularly true through the central section. Some of the more thinly painted areas have also been rubbed. The varnish is discoloured and its removal would enhance the tonality."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."