Follower of Sir Peter Paul Rubens

Emile Wolf, New York, by 1952;
Thence by descent to the present owners. 

E. Larsen, P.P. Rubens, Antwerp 1952, pp. 181, 183, cat. no. 95, reproduced plate 141 (as Sir Peter Paul Rubens);
S. Alpers, The Decoration of the Torre de la Parada, in Corpus Rubenianum, Ludwig Burchard, vol. IX, London 1971, pp. 256-257, under cat. no. 53 (as a copy).

The panel is cradled, flat and stable and made up of two horizontal boards, beveled on the left and right edges. The paint surface is stable and retains good detail in the figures beneath a slightly yellowed varnish. Some areas of the background appear a little thin, exposing the ground (as visible in the catalogue image) though this is likely due to the original sketch-like nature of these passages. Inspection under UV reveals retouching along the horizontal panel join and to a fine scratch in the putto upper center. There is some strengthening in the darks of the horses and in the rock at far right and retouching along the upper edge. Beside this there some minor and finely applied retouches scattered here and there but the figures remain largely intact. The painting might benefit from a light clean and revarnish, according to taste, but is otherwise ready to hang, offered in an elaborately carved gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The prime version of this composition is in the Museo del Prado, Madrid (inv. no. 1659).¹

1. See S. Alpers, in Literature, cat. no. 53, reproduced fig. 170.