Simon Pietersz. Verelst

The canvas is unlined and a little loose on its stretcher. For the most part the paint surface is well preserved especially in the principal blues. There seems to be some fairly extensive strengthening to the background, especially at the left. Some of the shadowed areas of the blooms and foliage are retouched and there is some damage to the fruit, lower right. There is a dent to the canvas to the left of the upper most bloom and a small subsequent paint loss. The painting would benefit from a clean.
"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."

We are grateful to Fred Meijer of the RKD, The Hague, for endorsing the attribution on the basis of photographs.