Lot Essay
The present painting is after the original by Rubens, formerly in the Kaiser Friedrich Museum, Berlin and destroyed in 1945. The painting has nearly the same measurements as the lost original and is traditionally said to be executed for the decoration of Castle Drachenburg. This imposing residence was constructed in as little as three years (1882-84) by the wealthy stock broker and co-financier of the Suez Canal, Stefan von Sarter, on the Rhine close to Königswinter.