Balthasar van der Ast

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 17 May 1961, lot 73
With Leonard Koetser, London
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 25 April 2001, lot 11
Sotheby's New York, June 3, 2010, lot 22

London, Leonard Koetser, Autumn Exhibition, 1961, no. 26.

Panel is cradled, flat and stable. under a slightly dirty varnish. as mentioned in catalogue, painting is a fragment from what was once a larger composition. overall, there is very good retention of the paint surface with lovely detail and coloration. some very small areas of lifting along the wood grain can be seen on tulip upper right and on irs. these areas appear to be stable. old discolored retouching can be seen along a vertical join which runs from top to bottom at left side. under UV: retouching along join as mentioned; on bottom part of iris; a few small retouches here and there on flowers and leaves. In a brown wood frame with gilding to outer and inner rim.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Daniëlle H.A.C. Lokin for confirming the attribution to van der Ast, based on photographs.  She will include this painting in her forthcoming catalogue raisonné on the artist's works.