La peinture apparaît dans un état de conservation satisfaisant. A l’œil nu : Le tableau est peint sur une planche de chêne portant un parquetage ancien au revers. On remarque une fente, longue de 3 cm, dans le coin inférieur gauche, dans un axe allant vers l’intérieur. Trois lignes de perte picturale sont visibles ; une autre de plus ou moins 4,5 cm est située dans le coin inférieur droit, et une dernière s’observe sur le mur gauche et mesure plus ou moins 2 cm. En outre, plusieurs griffures sur la couche picturale peuvent être observées dans les parties du centre et du haut. Elles sont toutes visibles dans l’illustration du catalogue. Plusieurs retouches décolorées sont visibles en divers endroits. Autrement les impastos et les couleurs des personnages, de l’architecture et des jardins semblent être bien préservés. La surface peinte est couverte d’une couche de vernis jauni qui mériterait d’être nettoyé pour rendre au tableau son attrait. A la lampe U.V. : Le tableau apparaît sous un vernis vert homogène. On remarque les retouches et altérations mentionnées ci-dessus. Vendu avec un cadre en bois peint en noir dans une imitation ébène. The painting seems to be in fair condition. Under the naked eye : The single (?) piece of oak panel carries an old cradling on its reverse. An old crack of ca. 3 cm. can be seen in the lower left corner running inwards; three lines of paintlosses can be seen, one of ca 4.5 cm. running in the lower right corner, and one on the wall centre left of ca. 2 cm. Otherwise various scratches to the paint surface can be seen in the middle and upper part. These are all visible in the catalogue illustration. Various discoloured retouchings can be seen throughout. Otherwise the impasto and the colours of the figures, architecture and garden seem to be nicely preserved. The painted surface is covered with a yellowed varnish layer which would greatly benefit from cleaning. Under UV light: The varnish layer fluoresces largely, showing the retouchings and damages mentioned above. Offered with a black painted ebony-imitation wooden frame, in good 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."

Our scene is based on Ovid's Metamorphosis (2: 442-453). The facial types of the female figures are very close to those by Frans Floris the Elder (1519/20-1570) and his pupils. The sculpture in the centre of the fountain shows the figures of Hercules and Antaeus and the villa in the background appears to be that of a Venetian-type.