Studio of Jacob Jordaens

Hermelin;
By whom sold, Stockholm, Bukowski, 17-18 April 1916, lot 90, as Jacob Jordaens;
Anonymous sale, Stockholm, Bukowski, 25 April 1956, lot 144, as Jacob Jordaens.

The canvas has been relined. There are a handful of old damages, for example lower right, all visible in the catalogue illustration. The paint surface si otherwise secure and appears to be well preserved under a dirty varnish. Some old discoloured retouching work is visible to the naked eye, most notably along an old vertical canvas join on the left hand side of the painting and these are confirmed under UV light. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame with some losses.
"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 reduced studio version of Jordaens' original (233 by 349 cm.) in the Gemäldegalerie, Dresden (see R.-A. d'Hulst, Jacob Jordaens, London 1982, p. 192, plate 161). The autograph work has a greater number of figures and shows Diogenes full length.

An autograph study for the present work (oil on paper laid on panel 51.5 by 62.5 cm), was sold London, Christie's, 8 July 2009, lot 172.  Compositionally the study is closer to the present studio work than to the original in Dresden both in the layout of figures and three-quarter-length Diogenes and thus provides an interesting insight into the workings of Jordaens's studio.  Presumably the master would produce the design and sketch the composition on paper which he would then pass onto his studio to execute.