Antwerp School, late 17th century

Commander J.W. Maitland MP, Harrington Hall, Lincolnshire, 1951, thence by descent;
Anonymous sale, South Kensington, Christie's, 13 July 2001, part of lot 20, where acquired by the present owner.

The support consists of a single copper plate fixed to a wooden stretcher on the reverse. There are some knocks and uneveness in the copper due to its thinness The paint surface is secure, if a little abraded, and under a glossy varnish. Scattered discoloured retouching and strengthening work to the naked eye throughout but inspection under UV light is hampered by the varnish. Some minor more recent retouching work on the far left does fluoresce. Offered in a carved gilt wood 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."

A copy in reverse, with minor differences of Rubens's lost original (see M. Jaffé, Rubens Catalogo Completo, Milan 1989, pp. 332-3, no. 1082).