Attributed to Crispin van den Broeck

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This large panel is made from numerous sections of wood joined horizontally. The reverse has been cradled. Not only are many of the horizontal joins slightly active, but the paint layer is also quite visibly unstable. This leads me to believe that the cradle is not effective and should be reexamined. The paint layer needs to be carefully consolidated throughout and the panel joins require attention. Fairly noticeable thinness is visible to the paint layer and there is evidence of previous loss and instability, particularly in the figure group on the left, around the cracks in the panel throughout and in numerous other areas. While it is a significant under taking, this painting should be reappraised by a restorer to return the image to an admittedly thin and softened palette, yet a more accurately restored and more stable paint layer.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."