Jan Breughel the Younger

The canvas has been lined, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. The blooms themselves are largely untouched and the colours remain bright and vibrant. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals very small areas of retouching to the white and one of the pink roses, centre, as well as to a couple of the tulips, and there is a more concentrated area of restoration to an L-shaped tear in the flowers on the ledge, lower right. There is well-executed strengthening to the darks of the flower stems and leaves around the periphery of the bouquet, and very sensitively-rendered, tiny retouchings throughout the background, to reduce the appearance of craquelure. There are more concentrated, small areas of retouching along the left margin, and approx. 2 cm. within the margin, probably due to abrasion from the stretcher. In overall good condition, without the need for further intervention.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr. Fred G. Meijer of the RKD, The Hague, for endorsing the attribution to Jan Breughel the Younger. Dr. Meijer dates this painting to the latter years of Breughel's life, post circa 1650, and draws comparison with a signed work of simpler composition, sold Monaco, Sotheby's, 17 June 1988, lot 1000. Another painting believed to date to the years after 1650, and with a similar treatment of flowers, is that sold London, Sotheby's, 30 October 2003, lot 4.