After Frans Snyders

A copy after Snyders' design, which exists in multiple versions, all of which contain some degree of studio participation. The presumed prime example belongs to the English Chamber of Ministers (inv. no. 129), and a fine version was sold at Sotheby's, New York, 26 January 2012, lot 24.¹The subject is taken from Aesop's fables. A lion is enraged upon being awoken by a mouse, which begs for mercy, convincing him that such small prey would hardly satisfy his appetite. The lion is subsequently caught in a net by hunters, and when the mouse hears his roars, it comes to the lion's rescue by gnawing through the ropes in which he is entrapped.

¹ https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2012/important-old-master-paintings-n08825/lot.24.html