The actual paintings are not green in the foreground, but brown in tone and less harsh than the catalogue illustrations suggest. Both canvasses are relined (glue). No major damages seem to be apparent. One repaired paint loss can be seen in the upper right corner of the latter painting, in the house. The paint surface has grown thin in the sky and in the foreground in both paintings, which seems to have some overpaint and retouchings. The paint surface has a rather coarse craquelure pattern and is under a dirty and thick varnish layer. Minor strengthening can be seen in the figures and buildings. The figures, especially in the latter painting seem to be nicely preserved. Inspection under Ultra VIolet light reveals tiny scattered retouchings in both paintings in the sky, and some repaired paint losses, e.g. in the centre and in the coat of the man to the left of the former painting. Older retouchings seem to be there in the sky, but are mostly impeded by the thick and unevenly cleaned varnish layer. Offered in carved and gilt wood frames, a few damages. (ML)
"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."

Jan Baptist Lambrechts painted various scenes of elegant companies in an outdoor setting, with tables full of vegetables and fruit, like the present ones. Elements such as the man and woman with🦄 the wheelbarrow, the children climbing the trees and the figures sitting at the tables, are꧟ repeatedly used in his works; see for example the pair sold, London, Sotheby's, 17 December 1998, lot 338, and another painting sold, London, Christie's, 19 April 1985, lot 64, of the same composition.