Croesus and Solon

The subject was treated by Francken in two versions, that in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, and that sold, Sotheby's, London, 11 July 1973; Dr. Ursula Härting in her monograph and catalogue raisonné of the artist's works (Frans Francken der Jüngere, Freren, 1989, p. 333, nos. 317-8) dates both to circa 1620. The present composition is only loosely related to those, however, differing most markedly in placing Croesus on a throne, rather than standing with Solon in the centre; the covered, circular table derives from the Vienna picture, suggesting that the present work is a subsequent invention, possibly painted with the participation of Francken himself.