Lucas Achtschellinck

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 6 July 1994, lot 210, where acquired by the present owner.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The painting is lined, the paint is stable with obvious discoloured retouching to the upper right. There is a large restored central damage mid-ground extending down through the houses, through the male and female figures and through the cattle and sheep. An overall damage of approximately 20cm x 10cm. There is a scattering of retouchings elsewhere across the surface otherwise the condition is good. A slight tonal improvement would be had from removing the varnish. Offered in a painted carved gold frame, good condition."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The figures appear to be the work of a different hand, possibly Théobald Michau (1678-1765), who was a pupil of Achtschellinck.