Follower of Willem van Herp the Elder

The catalogue image is representative. The canvas has a firm relining and the paint surface is sound. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals at least two campaigns of extensive retouchings and strengthenings throughout. The first campaign seems to have been mainly focused on the darker tones of the back ground in the upper left of the canvas, and the second is somewhat more cosmetic, concerned mainly with strengthening outlines. The varnish is slightly patchy but clear which allows the colours, such as the red, yellow and pink of the ladies outfits, to enhance this lively scene. The figures, the still life on the floor in the foreground, and crockery displayed on the wall are all relatively untouched. This lot is offered in a 'distressed' wood frame with a gold inner 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."

A copy of a work by Willem van Herp the Elder which, along with its companion piece A Flemish Collation, was engraved by W. Walker in 1764 and J. Boydell in 1765, whilst in the Collection of the Earl of Bute. The Bute picture is now in the National Museum, Warsaw, entitled Allegory of the Five Senses. A reduced version of this composition was purchased from Berkeley Castle in 1946, and sold most recently in London, Bonhams, 13 December 1990, lot 100. Another sold in London, Bonhams, 13 April 1972, lot 224. A third version was listed in the Collection of the Earl of Weymss, Gosford House, by 1948 (Gosford House Inv. 1948, no. 255).

For online note:
This picture is a copy of a work by Willem van Herp the Elder which, along with its companion piece A Flemish Collation, was engraved by W. Walker and J. Boydell respectively in 1764 and 1765 when the pictures were both in the Collection of the Earl of Bute. The Bute version of this composition is now in the National Museum, Warsaw where it has been catalogued as ‘Allegory of the five sense’. Four other versions of this composition exist all of which can be differentiated from one another through the ivy on the wall upper left and the chips on the casement nearby. One reduced version was said to have been purchased from Berkeley castle in 1946, before passing through the collection of H. Parkin Smith, 36 Gay Street, Bath by 1963. This picture appeared most recently in 1990 (London, Bonhams, 13 December 1990, lot 100). Another version was sold at Bonhams in 1972 (London, Bohams, 13April 1972, lot 224). There was a version with very little ivy that was with Agnew’s, London in 1929) according to an old Witt library mount. Finally there is a version listed in the Collection of the Earl of Weymss at Gosford House by 1948 (Gosford House Inv. 1948, no. 255) which is inscribed lower left: La Harpe and is without the sheet of paper lower centre.