Jan Josef Horemans the Younger

Worcester, Worcester Art Museum, The collector's cabinet : Flemish paintings from New England private collections, 11 June 1983 - 29 January 1984, no. 18.

The canvas has an old glue relining which is firm and stable. The painting appears to have been recently restored and to the naked eye the painting presents a clear, crisp image with good, clear detail. The figure and bed in the background far right are a little abraded as is the drapery of the two figures standing in the foreground. Inspection under UV reveals extensive, though very finely applied, retouching throughout, in places appearing to attend to the canvas weave, feathered through the drapery and strengthening the background. The painting is ready to hang in its present state and is offered in an elaborately carved wood 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.
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.

Horemans executed a close variant of the present composition in which the background wall motif found here is replaced by plain wall paneling, and the pose of the standing child is also adjusted (see New York, Sotheby's, 27 May 2004, lot 29, as by Horemans the Elder but now considered to be by the son).