Follower of Abraham Janssens

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work certainly requires restoration. The reverse of the canvas shows a variety of patches, wax and glue adhesives designed to support the canvas and paint layer. The picture is obviously very dirty, and in many areas there is not much abrasion or restoration. One of the eyes has been cleaned to reveal a reasonably healthy paint layer. The work should be cleaned. Any reinforcements should be removed from the reverse and the canvas should be relined. There will be retouching to do, but it would not be particularly lengthy or involved. The work should be restored before it is hung.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The prime version of this composition is at Schloss Schleissheim (Oberschleissheim, Germany).