A l’œil nu : Le tableau apparaît dans un état de conservation satisfaisant. Le tableau est peint sur une belle plaque de cuivre relativement plate. Une lacune relativement importante peut être observée dans la zone des arbres au-dessus de l’ange (visible dans l’illustration du catalogue) ; d’autres plus petites sont situées le long des bords droit et inférieur, et dans le coin supérieur gauche. La surface peinte est couverte d’un beau réseau de craquelures, à peine perceptible et de belle qualité. La surface peinte est recouverte d’un vernis sale et décoloré. Quelques retouches décolorées sont visibles ; elles sont principalement situées dans la zone du ciel. A la lampe U.V. : Le tableau apparaît sous un vernis vert épais et homogène. La couche de vernis fluoresce presque complètement. On remarque les retouches mentionnées ci-dessus, ainsi qu’une autre près de l’ange. Vendu avec un cadre en bois peint en noir, dans un état de conservation satisfaisant (quelques pertes de peinture le long des bords). The painting seems in a fairly good condition. Under the naked eye: Painted on a nice and quite flat copper plate. A more substantial paintloss can be seen in the areas of the trees above the angel (visible in the illustration), some small paintlosses along the right edge, lower edge, in the upper left corner and near the castle in the lower left corner. The painted surface is covered with a very fine craquelure pattern, which is hardly visible in places as it is so fine. The painted surface with a dirty and the varnish layer seems discoloured. Some discoloured retouchings can be seen, mainly concentrated in the sky area. Under UV light: The varnish layer fluoresces almost completely, showing the retouchings mentioned and one near the angel. Offered with a black painted wooden frame, in ok condition (some loss of paint along the edges).
"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 landscape in this composition, with its panoramic views of a Italianate wooded landscape with classical buildings, is painted after Hendrik Goudt's engraving Aurora or Landscape at dawn of 1613, which is its turn is derived from a work by Adam Elsheimer, of circa 1606 (oil on copper, 17 x 22,5 cm; Herzog-Anton-Ulrich Museum, Braunschweig, inv. no. 550). [1] K. Andrews, Adam Elsheimer, New York, 1977, pp. 149-149, sous le no. 8.