J.M. van Rijdt, Heerlen, 1964.

The panel has been marouflaged, and is flat and stable. The paint surface is quite dirty and the varnish is discoloured. Some small discoloured retouchings are visible to the naked eye particularly in the lighter colours, such as the jacket of the man in the centre turning away. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals further, tiny scattered retouchings throughout the composition, a slightly larger area in the back of the cat's head (less than 1 cm. squared), and some lines of strengthening around the table, lower right. In overall 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."

A copy after the painting now attributed to Marten van Cleve, which previously appeared on the market as Follower of Pieter Brueghel the Younger.¹ There is also a related drawing by Van Cleve.² 1. Oil on panel, 25.5 x 38.5 cm.; sale, Lucerne, Fischer, 5 July 1985, lot 1554; see K. Ertz and C. Nitze-Ertz, Marten van Cleve 1524–1581. Kritischer katalog der Gemälde und Zeichnungen, Lingen 2014, p. 181, cat. no. 98, reproduced.
2. Leiden, University Library-Print Room, inv. no. 1177; see Ertz and Nitze-Ertz 2014, p. 230, cat. no. Z8, reproduced.