Jacob Jacobsz. van Geel

Han Jüngeling, The Hague, where bought by the present owner in 1967,
Then sold to Bert van Deun, Beerse, Belgium in 1990;
Bought back from Bert van Deun's estate in 2009.

The actual painting is a little less red than the catalogue illustration suggests. The small little panel is in good condition. There's some minor flaking in the centre left, but otherwise, the paint layer is sound and under a dirty varnish layer. Some minor retouching can be made out in the sky. Inspection under UV light reveals further tiny retouchings in the lower foreground and some minor ones in the tree trunk. Offered in a later plain wood 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 related composition on a small round panel (diameter 15.8 cm.), with the inclusion of two figures on a path, is in the Dordrechts Museum, Dordrecht (inv. no. 960/72), and has been dated by L.J. Bol to circa 1636.¹ A similar date can be suggested for the present lot. Letters to the present owner from Horst Gerson (dated 20 December 1967) and Egbert Haverkamp-Begemann (dated 3 January 1968) confirm the attribution to Van Geel.

1. See P. Marijnissen (ed.), De Zichtbaere Werelt, schilderkunst uit de Gouden Eeuw in Hollands oudste stad, exhibition catalogue, Zwolle 1992, pp. 160-1, cat. no. 33, reproduced, p. 161.