Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Sotheby's, 22 November 1989, lot 106 (unsold);
With Galerie Gabriels, The Hague, 1997.

J. Briels, Peintres flamands au berceau du Siècle d'Or hollandais 1585-1630, Antwerp 1997, reproduced in colour on the cover and frontispiece.

The support consists of a single uncradled oak panel, bevelled on all four edges. The painting has quite recently been cleaned and restored and is invery goodo verall condition. The paint surface is largely free of wear, except in parts of the background which have been washed over. Inspection under ultra violet light otherwise reveals only minor local retouchings, for example in the lower left hand corner, to the skull, the laurel crown worn by Poetry and the hair of Painting, some of the shadows in the drapes and between the figures. The varnish layer is a little patchy and could be refreshed but other wise the picture should not require any further attention. Offered in a French style carved and gilt wood frame.
"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."