Antwerp School, 17th Century

The actual painting is a little less red and softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The copper plate is flat and stable, and laid down on a cradled panel. There's a tiny paint loss in the ostrich on the left and an even smaller one in the lower left corner. Otherwise, no damages are apparent and the paint layer is in good condition. Some minor retouching is visible in the sky. The paint surface is under a slightly dirty layer of varnish. Inspection under UV light is largely impeded by the varnish layer, but there's possibly some minor strengthening in the tree and in some of the birds in the lower centre. Offered in a decorative wood cassetta frame with a velvet fillet, a gilt fillet and decorated with stylised leaf scrolls, with a few minor chips.
"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."

This composition is known in several versions, and most probably derives from a lost original by Jan Brueghel the Elder. Another version, for example, also on copper and of similar dimensions, is today in the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum, Braunschweig, where it is attributed to Jan Breughel the Younger.¹

1. K. Ertz, Jan Brueghel der Jüngere (1601-1678), Freren 1984, vol. I, p. 492, no. 322, reproduced.