Flemish School, first half of the 17th century

The panel consists of three planks, which are held by an old series of battens affixed to the reverse. There is an old 18 cm repaired split lower right, and another of 40 cm just above the lower panel join and two smaller parallel splits just below it and a 9 cm split running in from the right hand edge below the camel. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals crude repairs to the splits and also to the stable, the hind legs of the donkey, the beard of the central Magus and several small details of the costumes. The painting bears an old label [not original] glued and varnished onto panel, lower right, inscribed: P[?]ctav:[?]...Lenr[?]. Some splits have opened slightly and will require attention. The varnish is a little uneven. Offered in a ebonised wood frame in good condition.
"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 picture has traditionally been attributed to Frans Francken the Younger. An alternative attribution to the late work of Caspar van den Hoecke, influenced by early Rubens and by Otto van Veen, has recently been suggested by Jan De Maere. The figure types bear some resemblance to those in an Adoration of the Shepherds given to Van Veen that sold New York, Christie's, on 30 January 2013, lot 26, for $56,250.