Attributed to Jacques Courtois, called Il Borgognone

Venuti collection, Malta, by 1895;
When purchased by Giuseppe Rossetto di Alessandro, Rome, 1927, by whom brought to the United States in the late 1920s, and thence by descent.

Worcester, Massachusetts, College of the Holy Cross, on loan 1929-2010.

Relining is firm and stable. under dirty and uneven varnish. there is overall very good preservation of the paint surface, especially in the foreground figures and animals. there are several areas of paint loss along the bottom edge and old discolored repairs (possibly old punctures) in clouds at lower center and in sky to right of buildings on cliff. under UV: scattered retouches can be seen in sky and clouds and some in the distant mountains at right. only a very few here and there in foreground areas. painting would benefit from sensitive restoration and a re-addressing of some of the old, discolored retouches. In a carved and gilt wood frame with some losses and two cuts at top and bottom from where frame was cut down.
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.