Gleuel Castle, Hürth (Germany), The present painting repeats a composition by Peter Paul Rubens that was likely conceived in 1624-25. Although the original is considered as lost, Rubens’s authorship is confirmed by a copper engraving by Schelte à Bolswert (dating from 1625-28) inscribed ‘PP Rubens pinxit’. There are five known painted versions of the composition, ,all of which must be considered contemporary (Castle Howard collection
Gemäldegalerie, Potsdam
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna and in a private collection)., Like the present painting, all of the other versions must be regarded as workshop replicas based on Rubens’ lost original, as the copper engraving renders the scene in the reverse direction. The present painting thus seems to have been copied from the original in Rubens’ workshop by a still unidentified artist who was trained there.