Attributed to Frans Francken the Younger

This work is made up of two vertical panels, stable and flat, and supported by three horizontal strips of wood across the reverse. The varnish is extremely dirty and but through the two small patches of cleaning it is evident that vivid colour is preserved beneath. There are two knocks to the panel in the centre of the lower edge, which are hidden beneath the frame, and a small chip in the panel in the lower left corner. There is a small line of chipped paint along the join of the panel in the lower part where ground layer is visible. Very minor surface scratches in the Virgin's face and in her blue cloak. There are very fine splits in the wood in the upper right corner, the upper and lower left corners, each measuring circa 15 cm. A tiny woodworm hole (?) in the lamb's nostril. Inspection under UV light revela only very few tiny dots of old retouching, and some faint plash marks of a dark pigemnt in the sky, these seem to be above the varnish and may be the result of a spillage. This lot is offered in a plain frame of wood painted gold, old and rather dirty.
"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."

The composition derives from Francken's altarpiece painted for the Church of St Catherine, Diest.¹ The picture is clearly of higher quality than two comparable works, both on copper, recently on the market: the first was sold Paris, Tajan, 21 June 2010, lot 1 (as Cornelis De Baellieur), and the second London, Sotheby's, 7 December 1994, lot 171 (as attributed to De Baellieur). Although the landscape is identical to the aforementioned pictures, the selection and arrangement of the foreground figures differs. The faces and gestures of the figures in the present work are of a much finer quality and are almost certainly by Francken himself. 

1. See U. Härting, Frans Francken der Jüngere (1581–1642), Freren 1989, vol. II, p. 304, cat. no. 259, reproduced.