Follower of Abraham Bloemaert

Anonymous sale, Munich, Helbing, 12 October 1909, lot 6 (erroneously described as a pendant to the preceding lot);
Anonymous sale, Berlin, Lepke, 10 December 1925, lot 131;
Anonymous sale, New York, Parke-Bernet, 24 February 1949, lot 52;
With Victor Spark, New York, 1971-1972;
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 16 January 1992, lot 72.

G. Delbanco, Der Maler Abraham Bloemaert (1564-1651), Strasbourg 1928, cat. no. 11 (questioning the attribution to Bloemaert);
M. Roethlisberger, Abraham Bloemaert and his Sons, Paintings and Prints, Doornspijk 1993, vol. I, p. 118, under cat. no. 71, copy no. 10, reproduced vol. II, fig. 124 (as a copy after Bloemart).

The copper plate is flat. The paint surface overall is very well preserved with lovely retention of detail and strong coloration. There is some scuffing and minor paint loss along the extreme edges, probably from the rubbing of a former frame. There are a few tiny, pinprick losses in foreground. Also some losses can be seen in an area of the foliage at upper center and in tree at upper right. Overall, the body of the picture is well intact. Under UV light: there is a small horizontal line of retouching in the sky at upper left and another in foreground lower left. There are a few small retouches to address some of the losses around edges. In a plain brown 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.

This painting is a period copy of a print by Abraham Bloemaert.¹ Considered a masterpiece by the artist, the original print is marked Bloemaert invenit rather than pinxit, indicating that no painted prototype existed, though it was much reproduced in both painted and print form.

1. M. Roethlisberger, under Literature, p. 117.