Follower of David Teniers the Younger

The painting has an old, firm, wax relining which has somewhat flattened the paint surface. The paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. There is a long repaired winding tear, just visible to the naked eye, which extends from the sky just above centre left to the centre of the tree foliage, and a repaired L-shaped tear in the roof of the house, centre. There is also a small loss in the centre of the tree foliage. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouching to the tears, and to a small circular patch of the sky, centre. There are very few additional pinprick retouchings in the sky. Save for the aforementioned tears, the painting is 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."

The present work is a copy after the original in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden. ¹

1. 92.5 by 132 cm, inv. no. 1070. See M. Klinge, David Teniers the Younger, Ghent 1991, p. 88-89, reproduced cat. no. 24.