Circle of Abraham Govaerts

The panel is flat and cradled. The paint surface is covered by a very dirty and uneven varnish. There are fine splits in the wood visible on the verso, one upper centre and two extending from the right hand margin. There is a circa 20 cm area of old retouching upper centre; two tiny knocks; and small areas of very old retouching which are difficult to see beneath the varnish under Ultraviolet light.
"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 an original painting on copper of 1620 by Govaerts, now in a private collection in Brussels (see U. Härting and K. Borms, Abraham Govaerts, Der Waldmaler (1589–1626), Berlin 2003, cat. no. 15, reproduced fig. 17).