Lambert de Hondt the Elder The Expulsion from the Garden...

The Property of a Gentleman

Lambert de Hondt the Elder
Mechelen before 1637–before 1665
The Expulsion from the Garden of Eden

oil on canvas
unframed: 59.7 x 85.4 cm.; 23½ x 33⅝ in.
framed: 72.6 x 98.2 cm.; 28⅝ x 38⅝ in.

Condition Report:
The canvas is lined, the paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. There is some evidence of wear throughout, particularly notable in the darks, although the more thickly painted parts of the composition such as the animals in the foreground remain well preserved. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals two campaigns of restoration, the older of which is largely concentrated in the sky upper right consisting of small spot retouchings with denser areas around the edge of the foliage and in the upper right corner. The more recent campaign of restoration consist of spot retouchings, particularly in the left-hand side of the composition, scattered in the foliage in the centre, and scattered in the animals lower right, particularly in the cow, in the fox's leg, and in the outstretched wing of the heron (centre). The painting appears bright, and is in overall fair condition. Offered in a wooden frame with walnut veneer with minor losses.

Provenance:
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Christie’s, 9 May 2001, lot 26;

Where acquired by the present owner.