David Rijckaert III

The actual painting is warmer and softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old relining. The paint surface is under a very dirty varnish. There's a fine craquelure throughout and some flaking and tiny losses in the centre left and in the lower right corner. A few scattered retouched paint losses are visible to the naked eye. The paint surface is a little thin in the background, but otherwise, in fair condition. Inspection under UV light is partially impeded by the dirty varnish layer, but does reveal retouchings in the background figures, and minor strengthening in the foreground figures, which in general, appear to have been nicely preserved. Offered in a decorative plaster and wood 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."

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the R.K.D., The Hague, for endorsing the attribution to David Rijckaert III upon first-hand inspection of the original. An identical sheep occurs in a similar treatment of the subject by the artist in the Szépmüvészeti Museum, Budapest (inv. no. 554).