Flemish School, 17th Century

The canvas has an old, sympathetic lining. There is a seam running across the canvas just over half way up. For a canvas of its size the paint surface is rather well preserved. There are however a number of blemishes/restorations throughout for example on Cupid's knees and elbows, another on Venus's belly, and further old restorations scattered over her and time's legs. There are further restorations in the landscape and the sky is largely retouched. Overall the painting is well preserved.
"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."

A related canvas of very similar size (163 x 258 cm.) depicting Minerva giving a bridle to Venus to restrain Cupid was sold New York, Sotheby's, 3 December 1974, and both may have originally formed part of a series. The design may well be due to Otto van Veen, whose Minerva shielding youth from Temptation (146 x 212 cm.) in the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm is painted ina very similar vein.