Jan van den Hecke the Elder

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 27 February 1992, lot 175 (as follower of Jan-Baptiste Monnoyer);
Anonymous sale, Vienna, Dorotheum, 23 June 1992, lot 109.

The actual painting is a little softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single panel has a slight convex bow and appears to have been milled along the edges to the reverse. The paint layer is nicely preserved, if a little thin in the background. There's a small surface scratch to the lower left, but otherwise, no damages are apparent. Minor retouchings can be observed in the background and the leafs. The paint surface is under a fairly clear layer of varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals very few tiny retouchings in only a few of the flowers. Offered in a plain dark wood frame with a gilt fillet with some minor scratches.
"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."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the R.K.D., The Hague, for confirming the attribution on the basis of a photograph.