PIETER BRUEGHEL THE YOUNGER | A VILLAGE SCENE WITH PEASANTS CAROUSING

The Property of a Gentleman
PIETER BRUEGHEL THE YOUNGER
Brussels 1564 - 1637/8 Antwerp
A VILLAGE SCENE WITH PEASANTS CAROUSING

oil on oak panel
51.2 by 36 cm.; 20 by 14¼ in.

Condition Report:
The painting presents well. The panel has been cradled so inspection from the reverse is inhibited. From the front it appears that a wide central plank is flanked by a narrow plank on each side, each of roughly the same width. The wider central panel is just possibly in fact two separate planks as there is a vertical line running down the centre, but it is more likely a gentle surface split. The grain on all three planks runs vertically as to be expected in a panel of portrait orientation. The panel appears stable and has clearly been this way for some time.
There are a few restored surface splits to the right hand side on and around the woman drinking; on one of these that runs through her apron there is a small area of slightly raised paint.
Overall the paint surface is well preserved, with restorations largely limited to the areas along the splits and panel joins. In the sky there is a series of retouchings and the cloak of the server coming in from left has been lightly retouched in parts. There is an older campaign of vertical retouchings in the background.

"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."

Provenance:
Bears a red wax seal on the reverse with initials A B

Heinrich Freiherr von Ferstel (1828–1883), Vienna

By descent to his grandaughter, Baroness Annemarie von Sacken

By descent to the present owner, her grandson