Follower of Louis de Caullery

Bought by the great-grandfather of the present owner in the 1930s.

The actual painting is warmer and deeper in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single panel appears to have split horizontally in three different places and has subsequently been cradled to the reverse. Another smaller thin horizontal split is running from the right edge in the centre. There are two tiny chips, one in the upper right corner, and another along the left edge. The paint surface is under a dirty varnish. There's a fine craquelure throughout which is beginning to lift in some areas. The paint surface appears in good condition, if a little thin in the brown tones, but the figures are nicely preserved. A few minor areas of retouching are visible in the trees and in the figure lower left. Inspection under UV light remains inconclusive due to the dirty varnish. Offered in a decorative gilt and plaster wood frame in good 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."

The composition is known in several versions, the best and possibly the prototype being that sold, London, Sotheby's, 9 July 1998, lot 80.