After Adriaen Jansz. van Ostade

The panel is generally sound. There are some scratched to the reverse.There is a slight crack to the panel in the centre of the right hand edge. There are some further tiny surface blemishes towards the right hand edge. There appears to be some very minor blistering to the paint surface in the upper right section. There is minor frame abrasion to the edges. Very light craquelure in places. Ultraviolet light reveals a few minor spots of retouching in places, some restoration to the crack in the centre right section. Held in a decorative frame in fair condition.
"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 is a copy after Van Ostade's lost original from his series of the five senses, of which numerous copies are known (see C. Hofstede de Groot, Beschreibendes und kritisches Verzeichnis der Werke..., vol. III, Esslingen/Paris 1910, p. 153, no. 8b).