ANTWERP SCHOOL, 17TH CENTURY, AFTER THEODOOR ROMBOUTS | David and Abigail

The actual painting is less dark in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The copper plate is quite flat and stable, a bit undulating along the lower edge. The painted surface seems to be in a good condition with nice colors and impastos preserved well. Minor paint loss can be seen in the upper left corner, some along the lower and right edge. Some minor surface scratches in the sky area in the center. Minor discolored retouchings can be seen throughout. Under UV The varnish layer fluoresces completely. Offered unframed.
"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 with variations after a large painting by Theodoor Rombouts (1597-1637) in the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest (180 by 230 cm.; inv. no. 2014.2). A similar work was sold, Sotheby's London, 25 October 2018, lot 471 (as "Follower of Theodoor Rombouts", oil on canvas, 117.8 by 168 cm.). Other repetitions of the composition, with some differences, have been sold over the years. Some of these cite Rubens' painting of the same subject in the Institute of Arts, Detroit (inv. no. 89.63), as their source, but the compositions do not correspond (see M. van der Meulen, Rubens copies after the antique. Corpus Rubenianum Ludwig Burchard, vol. 3, Brussels 1989, pp. 134-136, under no. 42).