Dr. Walter Kreis, Basel.

This painting is less red and cooler in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. It has an old but effective relining which has rather flattened the paint surface. To the naked eye the paint surface appears abraded in the brown tones of middle distance. There is a restored, vertical tear of 20 cm in the tree as well as a set of discoloured re-touchings in the sky and middle distance. Inspection under UV lights points to the aforementioned areas of abrasion as well as re-touchings to add definition in the abraded areas: in the middle distance, around the animals in the foreground and in the sky. However, large passages appear in fair condition. Offered in a wood and plaster frame, also in fair condition.
"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."

The motif of the dressed-up laden donkey recurs in several works attributed to Pieter van Bloemen; see, for example, those sold in these Rooms, 11 December 1996, lot 162, and Milan, Finarte, 29 November 1990, lot 97.