Exhibited:

London, Leonard Koetser Ltd., Grosvenor House Antique Dealer's Fair, Spring Exhibition, 1973

Kansas City, Missouri, William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art and Atkins Museum of Art, 1973 (loan, as by Peeter Neefs the Elder)

Lot Note:

The present lot is based on the original painting formerly in the collection of August d’Arenberg of Brussels, and was considered to be painted by Pieter Neefs the Elder (with Frans Francken the Younger (Flemish, 1581-1642) for the figures). A 19th-century print that features the same composition in reverse can be found on the R.K.D. website: https://rkd.nl/imageslite/71415. This lithograph was made for the publication C. Spuyt, Lithographies d’après les principaux tableaux de la collection de S.A.S. Monseigneur le prince Auguste d’Arenberg, Brussels 1829. We wish to thank the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie, also known as R.K.D., for their kind assistance in cataloguing the present lot.

Framed: 17 1/2 x 14 3/4 in.
Minor deposits of surface dirt and dust; a network of fine, hairline craquelures throughout; an approximately 8 1/2 inch vertical scratch extending along the left edge; a pinpoint abrasion along the upper right edge; pinpoint areas of inpainting scattered along all extreme edges; an approximately 1 x 1 inch slight concave irregularity to the surface in the upper left corner, likely past damage that has been filled and inpainted, along with another smaller area of the same to its right; under a highly reflective varnish. Under UV light: the thick, reflective varnish prohibits viewing of any apparent inpainting. Additional images available upon request.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email europeanfurniture@freemansauction.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.