Studio of David Vinckboons

Acquired by the late father of the present owner.

The canvas has a firm relining which has somewhat flattened the paint surface but the details of the figures and landscape, as well as the colours, are well preserved. The paint surface is secure and generally in good condition under an old, discoloured varnish. There appears to be an old line of horizontal damage running across the sky approx. 30 cm down from the upper margin and there are some scattered localised areas of restored damage in the upper part of the sky. Some old retouchings are evident to the naked eye in the aforementioned areas and in the trees. It is however hard to read the extent of later intervention on account of the varnish, which thoroughly impedes inspection under UV light. Offered in a wooden frame in fair condition with some losses.
"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."

This composition was one of the artist’s most celebrated designs. The original is presumed lost but is known through an engraving by Boetius Adam Bolswert¹ and through a preparatory drawing in the Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen².  The design was frequently copied and the many versions vary considerably in quality.  Among the very best is Bartholomeus Grondonck's painting on copper, signed and dated 1617, included in the preceding Evening sale, 3rd July 2013.

The present work adheres faithfully to Vinckboons’s original design and the quality of execution suggests it was painted in the artist’s studio. Other version of comparable quality include the painting sold, Paris, Sotheby’s, 24 June 2009, lot 27 for €100,000.

1. F.W.H. Hollestein, Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts..., vol. III, Amsterdam 1950, p. 66, no. 320, 321. 
2. reproduced K. Goossens, David Vinckboons, Soest 1977, p. 64, no. 30.