The artist's studio

The present picture relies on a composition by Andries Both known in a small panel sold at Sotheby's, London, 20 April 1994, lot 18, for which there is a preliminary drawing in the British Museum (inv. no. 1836.8.11.75). The painting was engraved on several occasions, both in France and Germany, and it was most probably a print that provided the inspiration for the present composition.