Johan Baptist Govaerts

Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 21 May 1992, lot 201 (as Circle of Herman van der Myn, where described as bearing a van der Myn signature and indistinct date);
With Lane Fine Art, London, 1995;
From whom purchased by the present collector. 

The canvas has been tightly relined and the surface has been rather pressed as a result. However, detail still remains quite good in the flowers and the painting reads well and presents a very decorative image. Under UV light: there are scattered small retouches throughout the dark background and a reverse L-shaped retouch that runs from the middle right background down into the ledge and over to the center of the ledge. Another area of retouching can be seen in the top of the ledge at lower left side and some along the base of the ledge lower center. The flowers look good with only some retouching to flowers at upper right and to the orange flower at lower center. This painting is presentable and can be hung as is. Offered in a gilt 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.

We are grateful to Fred Meijer for suggesting the attribution to Govaerts, based on photographs.