Jan Breughel the Younger

The canvas has been relined, the paint surface is secure and appears to be in good condition, if a little thin in places, under a dirty old yellowed varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals some scattered minor retouchings. Offered in a gold painted wood and plaster frame in fair 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."

Both this and following lot form part of series of allegories painted by Brueghel in the 1640s to his own independent design. Another Allegory of War, for example, signed and on copper, with a similar composition to the present work, was sold Vienna, Dorotheum, 21-23 June 1956, lot 19. For this and other works in this vein see K. Ertz, Jan Brueghel der Jungere, Freren 1984, pp. 384-88, no. 223.