Jan van Kessel

Said to have been from a set of four from the collection of the Earl of Albemarle, and sold in London;
With Kunstsalon Karl Böhm, Badgastein, Austria  & Maida Vale, London;
From whom acquired by Paul Holmström, Stockholm, on 20 May 1953;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The sky is more turquoise than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been recently relined and is stable. There are some areas of substantial restoration in the sky, notably in the upper centre and to the billowing smoke to the right. There is a restored horizontal tear at the upper right, some resotred damges at the extreme centre right and some restoration along the lower margin. The main body of the picture, including the figures and the still life elements, are much less affected and in fact are maintained in generally good condition. Sold with a parcel gilt frame.
"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 based on similar works by Van Kessel's uncle Jan Brueghel the Younger, under whom he received his early training, and in whose studio he worked for some years; see, for example K. Ertz, Jan Brueghel the Younger, Freren 1984, vol. I, p. 392, no. 229, reproduced. The basic structure of the composition is the same, although they differ in numerous details, notably in the figures.