Follower of Adriaen Brouwer

The panel is secure and in good condition. The paint surface is even and well-preserved and there are only tiny scattered restorations, mainly in the background periphery.
"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 probably derives from a lost original by Brouwer. At least two other versions are recorded, both now untraced: one last recorded in the Nardus collection in Brussels (W. von Bode, Adriaen Brouwer, Berlin 1924, p. 71, fig. 46), and another formerly with the Pallamar Gallery in Vienna. The present copper follows the latter more closely; both differ from the Nardus version in the arrangement of the table legs on the left side of the picture, and both are on copper.