Isaac van Oosten

The copper plate appears to be in good condition. The paint layer is stable and there is very good retention of the surface. Some of the lighter pigments have become slightly transparent and this is especially evident in the unicorns and stags in the middle center and in the ships at right center. To the naked eye, there are 2 or 3 faint white vertical marks that run through the tree to the left of center but these are not distracting and appear to be on the surface. Under UV, only a very few scattered retouches are visible. This work is in very good condition and can be hung as is. In a simple dark wood frame.
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.

Isaac van Oosten was an extremely popular landscape painter, whose style embodied all the elements of the Antwerp school in the first half of the seventeenth century.  Like most of his contemporaries, his style strongly reflects the influence of Jan Brueghel, but at various points of his career he was also influenced by Keirincx, Lucas van Uden and Jan Wildens.  This charming depiction of The Garden of Eden, allowed him full range to show off his skills in painting a variety of animals – mammals, fish and birds, as well the imaginary unicorns.  Like his best works it is painted on a large sheet of copper, which provided an extremely smooth surface, so necessary to his detailed descriptions of flora and fauna.