Philip Fruytiers

The large canvas is relined and has a new stretcher but this has not overly flattened the paint surface as the impasto is well preserved in areas. The paint surface is under a discoloured varnish and is flaked in several localised areas, as visible in the catalogue illustration. Some discoloured retouchings are visible to the naked eye though no major damages are otherwise present. Inspection under UV light reveals further scattered retouchings and some small restored tears. Overall the painting would benefit from a clean and restoration to the paint losses. A new varnish would improve tonality. This lot is offered unframed.
"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 Prof. Hans Vlieghe for identifying this as a work by Phillips Fruytiers, an Antwerp painter from Rubens's entourage who, especially in his works from circa 1650, took Rubens' late history paintings from the thirties as his example. The painting is closely comparable to the series of saints by Fruytiers, now in the Antwerp museum and published by Frans Baudouin in 1967 (see F. Baudouin, 'Een Antwerps schilder uit Rubens' omgeving, Philips Fruytiers, de monogrammist PHV', in Jaarboek Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, 1967, pp. 151-186; and 'Nog een toeschrijving aan Philips Fruytiers, een Antwerps schilder uit Rubens' omgeving', in Bulletin Koninklijke Musea voor Schone Kunsten van België, 17, 1968, pp. 161-169).