Follower of Adriaen van Diest

Oil on canvas in a carved gilt wood frame

Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Gentleman'), London, Christie's, 23 January 1987, lot 20 as 'Attributed to van Diest' for £3,000, where purchased by the present owners.

The canvas has been relined . The paint surface appears stable but dirty and rather abraded. Some frame abrasion can be made out along the right edge. To the naked eye it appears as though several discoloured retouching are present in the sky where the ground layer is coming through, and the darker tones in the trees and brown tones of the foreground are rather abraded. Two restored tears in the central tree flouresce under UV light, as well as retouchings to the edges of the trees to add definition. There is a restored ter int he sky as well as several of the aforementioned retouchings. The figures lower right and the area around them are better preserved. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame with several scuffs.
"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."