Studio of Frans Snyders

Casa Torres, Madrid (Inv. no. 12319);
Anonymous sale ("Property from a Private Collection, Madrid"), London, Sotheby's, 9 December 2010, lot 147;
There acquired by the present collector.

H. Robels, Frans Snyders, Munich 1989, p. 334, cat. no. 236a (as a copy after Snyders).

The painting overall presents a clear and impressive image, which has more depth and clarity of color than is represented by the catalogue photograph. The paint surface is well preserved beneath a slightly discolored and yellowed old varnish. The canvas has a relatively modern glue relining which is in good condition particularly given the painting's size and has a horizontal seam running through its center, which is faintly perceptible on the face of the painting. Inspection under UV reveals minor feathered retouches scattered throughout the animal's furs and backgrounds. There are some very minor paint losses of a millimeter squared to the background at center and retouching to what appears to be an old tear or crack to paint surface running vertically through ear of uppermost dog at right down to the lower edge. Minor losses to lower right edge and at left edge, although these could easily be attended to . The painting would benefit from a light clean and a revarnish, but is otherwise well-preserved and ready to hang. Offered in a simply carved giltwood 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.

This painting repeats a composition by Snyders, with landscape by Jan Wildens, sold at Sotheby's London on 8 December 2004, lot 32.  Another variant by Snyders, signed and dated 1653, with a different landscape (also ascribed to Wildens) and with some slight differences in the dogs, is in the Royal Collection (inv. 704).  The landscape in the present lot is by a different hand, possibly that of Wildens.