Follower of Peter Wtewael

The canvas has been relined and the paint surface is slightly pressed as a result. The paint is stable and covered by an old uneven varnish. The colours remain vivid and the whites luminous. Inspection under UV light reveals two campaigns of restoration both consisting of infilling of craquelure and scattered repairs to small tears and paint losses throughout the background and figures. There are also repairs along the lower margin, and in the upper right corner.
"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 variation on two of Wtewael's compositions of the same subject, now in the Los Angeles County Museum and in the Hermitage, Saint Petersburg (see A. W. Lowethal, Joachim Wtewael and Dutch Mannerism, Doornspijk 1986, p. 91, cat. no. A-13 and p. 108, cat. no. A-31, reproduced plate IV, and figs 18 and 44).