Attributed to Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer

George Henry Child Villiers, 8th Earl of Jersey (1873-1923), Osterley Park House, Middlesex;
Thence by descent to the present owners.

The picture is made up of individual sheets of paper, presumably cut from a sketchbook, which have been arranged to create a single composition. The paper has then been affixed to a canvas which has been relined. The paint surface appears to be in very good overall condition and the paper cuts are not visible to the naked eye. There is evidence of surface dirt overall and there are very minor splashes of a white liquid centre left as well as a crazed varnish overall. Under a raking light it would appear that most of the background has been strengthened however this is only noticeable when viewed in relation to the untouched segment lower left. Examination under ultraviolet confirms this and reveals further scattered retouchings to the leaves and buds. The picture is in good ready to hang condition. Offered in a plain wood frame with a turquoise velvet inlay and a walnut slip.
"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."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer, Curator of the Netherlands Institute of Art History, an expert on still life painting. He has studied photographs of this painting (January 2013) and is of the view that it is probably by Jean Baptiste-Monnoyer. The picture appears to be made up of independent flower studies presumably cut from an album of sketches before being rearranged and laid onto canvas.