Anonymous sale, Paris, Ader Picard Tajan, 29 June 1989, lot 60;
There purchased by♛ the present collector for 435,411.70 FF.

C.G. Marcus, "Otto Marseus van Schrieck et les peintres des reptiles, insects et sous-bois” in Art et Curiosité, August-Septembre 1974, p. 88, reprodu🌊ced fig. 14

For a high resolution digital image, please refer to the online catalogue at laitexier.com or contact a member of the Old Master Paintings department. Relined. there is a slight degree of thinness in some of the darker pigments of the background, however overall there is good retention of the paint surface. there is particularly nice preservation of detail in the leaves and moths. some scuffing at edges from rubbing of the frame, and there is an approximately 4 inch vertical loss to the canvas at the extreme upper left edge. there are some old filled losses at upper right and others scattered. under UV: it is difficult to see through the old varnish. there are some possible old retouches scattered in upper background and some at center. a few very small retouches on top of the varnish (these are mostly to old fills as mentioned above). In an elaborately carved and gilt wood frame with some cracks and chips.
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 beautiful canvas relates to Nicolaes de Vree's Statue in Park in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg (inv. 1028).  The still life depicted in the left of the Hermitage picture is remarkably similar to the present composition; the dark green monochromatic palette is interspersed with bursts of color formed by the budding fl🧸owers and butterflies.  With its highly detailed foliage, this work is redolent of Abraham Jansz. Begeyn, to whom De Vree's painting style is often compared.