Studio of Frans Francken the Younger

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's South Kensington, 11 July 2003, lot 7.

The support consists of a single stable flat copper panel. The paint surface is secure and under and uneven varnish. Inspection under UV light reveals minor scattered retouchings and more extensive retouching in the lower left corner. Offered in a wooden black painted frame with some knocks.
"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."

There are several known autograph versions of this composition. There is one in the Staatliche Galerie, Schloss Georgium, Dessau (see U. Härting, Frans Francken der Jüngere, Freren 1989, p. 284, cat. no. 199), another was sold London, Christie's, 2 November 2001, lot 15 and a fourth version was sold Cologne, Van Ham, 16 November 2007, lot 710. Dr. Ursula Härting has noted that the painting in Dessau is a slightly later repitition of the version sold at Christie's.