Pieter Gysels

In the collection of a Prussian noble family since at least the end of the 19th century;
Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Gentleman'), London, Sotheby's, 10 April 2003, lot 4;
There purchased by the present owner.

This copper plate is flat and in good state. A wooden stretcher has been affixed to the reverse. On the front of the plate, there is a small nick in the upper left corner that has been filled in with paint. The paint layer is stable and in good state, but appears dirty. Under UV, there are scattered, small retouches, concentrated in the sky. This area could be lightly cleaned to remove the old yellowed varnish; however, the painting is in very good state and could be hung as is. In a black painted, carved framed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

As the protectors of gardens, orchards and ripening fruit, this portrayel by Gysels of Vertumnus and Pomona within the formal gardens of a Palace is entirely befitting. Although perhaps best known as a painter of landscapes and village scenes in the style of Jan Brueghel the Elder, Gysels also developed the genre of historical or elegant figures within the grounds of a palace: See, for example, two similar coppers (both signed by Gysels), one formerly with Galerie Robert Finck, Brussels, the other formerly with Galerie De Jonckheere, Brussels (reproduced in Y. Thiery & M. Kervyn de Meerendre, Les Peintres Flamands de Paysage au XVII^e Siecle, Brussels 1987, pp. 6-7).

When last sold in 2003, Fred Meijer of the RKD endorsed the attribution to Gysels, following first hand inspection.