Margaret F. Schroeder;
By whose Estate donated to the Fogg Art Museum, acc.no. 13.1973.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has not been restored for a number of years. The canvas is lined and the paint layer is more or less stable, although a fresh lining will improve the condition of the painting. There are no restorations clearly visible under ultraviolet light. The canvas is made from two pieces of canvas joined horizontally through the center of the picture. There is some facing paper adhered to part of the join to stabilize the paint. The still life, the monkey, the flesh areas of the figures, the still life at the top and the woman on the right all seem to be in very respectable condition. However, the sky and the darker colors in the parrot in the upper right all seem to be completely repainted. There is some noticeable wear and tear to the left shoulder of the standing woman in the center and to the forearms and hand of the standing woman on the right. In general however the condition of the parts of the painting which are not the sky or the parrot, seem to be very good. Presumably, if it is possible to remove the repaint on the sky, some abrasion will become apparent which is what encouraged the restoration. However, it is also a consideration to leave this repaint and to incorporate it into current the composition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This painting repeats the composition by Rubens, sometimes called Ceres and Two Nymphs, of circa 1617 in the Prado, Madrid. 🅠 An oil sketch by Rubens of the same subject is in the collection of the Dulwich Col♚lege Picture Gallery.