With Galerie Bresset, Paris, by April 1972;
Whence acquired by the father of the present owners.

The copper plate is stable, the paint surface is clean and the varnish is discoloured. There is a diagonal line of slight outdent in the copper approx. 10cm. long which starts halfway along the upper edge, which is only visible under raking light. There is evidence of slight frame rubbing with associate paint loss along the upper and right edges. Inspection underneath ultraviolet light reveals a thick, milky varnish underneath which some retouchings are visible, for example scattered in the sky upper left, in the background scene above the banquet table, in Esther's face and proper right shoulder and scattered in the table, as well as a few spots in the scene lower left. In overall good condition. Offered in a carved wooden frame with a velvet trimming, with a few losses.
"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."

The prime version of this painting appears to be Frans Francken the Younger's composition now in the National Gallery, Prague.¹ The present composition is most closely related to a version in reverse by Frans' son, Hieronymus Francken III, possibly produced while he was working in his father's workshop. Hieronymus' version of his father's prototype was widely copied and reproduced by Frans' wider workshop and later followers. 1. See L. Slavicek (ed.), The National Gallery in Prague, Flemish Paintings of the 17th and 18th Centuries, Illustrated Summary Catalogue, vol. 2, Prague 2000, p. 146, cat. no. 124, reproduced.