Workshop of David Teniers the Younger

The painting is cooler in tone and less yellow in colour than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old but still effective relining. The paint surface is secure if a little dirty but to the naked eye appears in sound condition overall. Inspection under UV light reveals minor scattered retouchings in the background as well as some minor strengthenings along some craquelure. An old restored area (possibly an on old hole) of 5 by 5 flouresces above the monkeys in the centre, as well as a vertical line of retouching (possibly an old tear) flouresces in the door centre left. Some old retouched frame abrasion can also be made out. The restoration has been sympathetically done. A light surface clean and a new varnish would improve the overall tonality of the work Offered in a black and gold rippled 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."

A studio copy after Teniers' signed original in the State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, inv. no. GE 568 (see N. Gritsay and N. Babina, Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Flemish Paintings in the Hermitage, Saint Petersburg 2008, pp. 368-69, cat. no. 445, reproduced in colour).