The following condition report is provided by Henry Gentle who is an external specialist and not an employee of Sotheby's:

Follower of Pieter Breughel II

The Netherlandish Proverbs

Oil on canvas, in a period gilt wood frame with some losses

The original canvas has been lined. The lining provides a stable support and there is good tension.

The paint layer is slightly raised, visible in raking light, but is stable and secure.

There is a 20cm vertical fracture with minor paint loss down through the roof of the house on the left, a horizontal fracture through the oven, lower right, and a restored loss in the roof to the right of the playing cards.

The paint layer is stable. A combination of ageing and over enthusiastic cleaning of the naturally thin paint layer has lead to exposure of the pale ground layer in some areas and a compromising of finer details.

Some of these areas have been augmented and are visible under u-v light.

Canvas texture has become exposed in the more thinly painted areas.

Many areas are in a good preserved condition and time spent tightening the image would be recommended as the vitality of the composition is undiminished.

"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."