Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 7 July 1995 lot 95 (as Italian School, 17th Century), where acquired by the present owner for £90,000.

Given the large scale of this canvas the painting is in very good condition. The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is secure with frequent passages of well preserved impasto. Inspection under UV light reveals some old retouchings to the darks of the background and some recent more minor scattered retouchings and small strengthenings. Offered unframed.
"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."

Despite their great size and elegance, the present and following lo𓆉ts have evaded secure attribution. Whilst the caravaggesque still-life elements of the present work might suggest that it was executed in Rome in the first of the 17th 🍌century, the figures the interior setting of the following lot are more reminiscent of Northern artists such as Giacomo Legi, a Fleming active in Genoa in the first half of the 17th century. The kitchen setting also points to more Northern influences, borrowing elements from the Venetic Jacopo Bassano, as well as  from Flemish stil lifes. However, the thick handling of paint in areas such as the meats lower left in the following lot do suggest that the work was painted in Italy suggesting that the works were perhaps painted by a Flemish artist in Italy.