Bartholomeus Breenbergh

The picture is slightly warmer than the catalogue illustration suggests. The support consists of a single flat, bevelled and stable oak panel with an old strip of oak attached to the back of the panel on the right hand side for further stability (5 cm in width). The surface lies smooth with the rest of the panel. An old repaired crack on the recto, extending from the right hand edge, has been secured by a single horizontal batten on the verso. There is a very old and discoloured varnish which required cleaning by a professional. A very delicate craquelure covers the picture. There are four further very fine cracks in the paint surface: three extending from the left hand side and one in the centre. These are extremely fine and do not disrupt the viewing. There is a repair beginning at Diana's upper arm which has been well- repaired, and is only detecable through the slightly discoloured pigment by her skin. The detail in the hare and the dead bird is very crisp and beautiful. The silvery leaves and whispy reeds in the foreground foliage is also enjoyable although in places slightly worn with time. The small flowers in the female figures' headdresses and their pearl jewellery contrasts very well with the fleshiness of their bodies. These details are all intact. Inspection under UV light reveals a few scattered retouchings in the sky, as well as repair to the aforementioned cracks and scattered dot retouchings in the background right. There is a smudge to the right and left of the monogram, but the monogram itself is untouched. A beautiful and well-thought through composition, the tension of the alert dog with head raised balances the peaceful slumber of the unaware goddess and nymphs. The gentle sun-lit landscape in the left contrasting with the dark earthen cave opening through to the right hand side. This lot is offered in an old gilt wooden frame with some knocks and requiring a clean.
"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."

This picture is painted on a single plank of oak, with original bevels on the reverse on all four sides, and thus retains its original size and shape. Comparable paintings by Breenbergh date from the 1640s.