David Teniers the Elder

Bought by the great-grandfather of the present owner in the 1930s.

The catalogue illustration is representative for the actual painting. The single panel has a very faint convex bow. The paint surface is on a slightly dirty varnish. There's a fine craquelure throughout which is beginning to lift in some areas. There are some areas of abrasion and subsequent retouchings can be made out with the naked eye, e.g. in the sky, in the lower foreground right, and around the group of figures. Inspection under UV light reveals some larger areas of retouching, particularly in the sky, and some small additional retouchings in the figures, trees and ruins. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and plaster frame in good condition.
"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."