Hieronymous Francken II

The support, bevelled on all four edges, consists of two horizontal pales joined to the reverse by a series of small batons; overall it is stable and has a very slight old convex bow. The paint surface is secure and in god condition with the colour and details of the figures and architecture well preserved although there is some evidence of abrasion to the paint surface in the darkest pigments. Old unobtrusive retouching is evident along the aforementioned panel join. Inspection under UV light is impeded by a glossy varnish but some old very minor scattered retouching works do fluoresce and a larger are of retouching is evident upper left in the dark pigments of the painting of the tower of babel and the green cloth along the back wall. Offered in a stained wooden frame in good condition wiht a minor chip along the top margin.
"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."

Another version of very similar dimensions is in the Museo Civico, Treviso (see J. De Maere and M. Wabbes, Illustrated Dictionary of 17th-Century Flemish Painters, Brussels 1994, p. 445, reproduced).