Studio of Jacob Jordaens

Surgeon Lt.-Col. Samuel Smith, Bristol;
His sale, London, Sotheby's, 5 December 1923, lot 136 (as by Jordaens).

The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been lined and the paint surface appears to be in good overall country house condition. There is a minor knock measuring 2 in. centre left which is visible to the naked eye.There is also a canvas crease running through the king's shoulder as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is localised surface dirt and varnish overall. There are scattered minor retouchings predominantly in the background visible under a raking light. There is also retouching to three areas of old apparent damage around the piper, to his left shoulder and his right shoulder measuring approx. 6 in. and a further minor area below his right hand measuring approx. 3 in. These correspond with three small patches on the reverse. There is also one further minor area of retouched damage visible under raking light in the background centre right, measuring approx 1 in. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the aforementioned retouching and reveals some minor retouching to old very minor knocks along the lower edge an to the table ledge lower left. There is also evidence of old retouching and infilling in the flesh tones however a varnish hinders further inspection. Offered in a gilt wood and plaster 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."

A studio repetition, with numerous differences, of the famous original of 1639 today in the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. The child whose bottom is wiped in Jordaens' original by the woman lower right has been here replaced by a sheet of music, and the vomiting drunk opposite, together with some background figures have been omitted. The subject is from the annual Flemish celebration of the Feast of Epiphany.