Gaspard Jacob van Opstal

Abingdon Museum (as Francesco Ferdinandi, called Imperiali).

The canvas has been relined. There is an old horizontal canvas join running across the painting 16 cm up from the lower edge. The is a small damage 2 by 2 cm to the right of Masinissa's head and some old restored scratches in his left elbow. There is a vertical damage of 2 cm above Sophonisba's head and an old vertical damage of 10 cm running down from her left shoulder. There is an old restored L shaped tear 5 by 5 cm to the right of her head and a U shaped tear lower right 8 by 6 cm. The paint surface is sound and in good condition although inspection under UV light is impedeed by the thick yellowed varnish. Offered in a gilt plaster 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."

We are grateful to Mr. Jan de Maere for proposing the attribution to Gaspar van Opstal on the basis of photographs.  The painting shows Sophonisba drinking from a poisoned chalice, sent to her by her husband Massinissa who had been ordered to do so by the Roman general Scipio.