Follower of Marten van Cleve the Elder

Acquired by the late father of the present owner.

The colours are warmer andless than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has an old and rather heavy relining wich has rather pressed the paint surface. The varnish layer is now dirty and discoloured. The majority of the paint surface is well preserved, but inspection under ultra violet reveals a number of old repaired tears; a diagonal 20 cm in the upper right corner, and a series of four irregular tears of 20 cm, 5 cm, 20cm and 25 cm length running across the lower foreground. There are in addition a series of scattered repaired losses or damages, chiefly in the upper right corner and across the sky and around the tears mentioned above. All of these damages have old and rather crude restoration which has visibly discoloured. Some areas,such as the trees, are now very worn. This lot is offered with a modern gilt wood frame, in good overall condition but with numerous small chips and losses.
"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."