Studio of Jan Brueghel the Younger

In the present collection since the 1940s.

The copper plate is flat and stable, with a very slight uneven, minor dent, at the upper left margin. It is enclosed within a wooden slip frame and backing board, to which it is not attached. The paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals some areas where the varnish has been partially removed in the foliage, upper right. There is a small patch of retouching in the upper right corner on the margin, and spot retouching through the body of the left-most figure. There is some strengthening to the darker details of the birds, fish and water, lower left, as well as small spot strengthening in the darks of the seated figure's cloak. There are a handful of other scattered pinprick retouchings, but otherwise little intervention. In overall very 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."

This picture is loosely based on Jan Brueghel the Elder's painting of circa 1615 in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, itself derived with many differences from his earlier composition dated 1604 in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.¹ Both the Madrid and Vienna pictures represent all four elements, but here we see only Water and Earth. Water is personified by the ocean goddess Amphitrite, who stands on the shore with a sea shell to her ear. Next to her is seated Ceres who holds in her arms her attribute, the cornucopia, it's mouth overflowing with the earth's fruits. She is the goddess of agriculture, of abundance and of Earth. This display of opulence and plenty is continued throughout the foreground of this composition with a plethora of fruits and vegetables strewn on the ground, flowers growing at the right and fish swimming in a stream. A version of this composition of a similar size but on canvas, given to a follower of Jan Brueghel the Younger, was sold Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 9 November 1999, lot 65.

1. See K. Ertz, Jan Brueghel der Ältere, Lingen 2008, vol. III, p. 1084, cat. no. 520 and p. 1080, cat. no. 518, both reproduced.