Maerten de Vos

The paper is somewhat yellowed, and has some small tears leading from the edges of the sheet. At the lower edge several slightly larger tears have been reinforced on the verso, as has a small loss to the right. There is also a patch of reinforcement on the verso to the left of the centre. Some small brown spots at the lower edge, and also a small light brown stain to the right of the lower edge.
"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 the preparatory study for de Vos' important painting of the same subject, executed in 1594 and now in the Rockoxhuis, Antwerp (fig.1).¹  The subject is a group portrait of the governors of the Brabant Mint, but in the long-standing tradition of group portraits of civic officials, they are shown together with the attributes and symbols of their profession and responsibilities: in this case, the allegorical figure of Justice. For a very detailed discussion of the iconography of the painting, see Zweite, loc. cit.

1.  See A. Zweite, Marten de Vos als Maler, Berlin 1980, no. 83, pp. 251-8, 303-4, cat. 83, fig. 104