Jan Miense Molenaer

Quentell collection, Bremen;
His sale, Cologne, Heberle, 16–19 December 1885, lot 64 (as by Frans Hals II);
Galerie Schäffer, Berlin, 1929;
A.S. Drey, Munich;
Their forced liquidation sale, Berlin, Graupe, 17–18 June 1936, lot 34;
American private collection by 1959;
Art market, New York, 1959;
Art market, London, 1959;
Purchased by the father of the previous owner in London, November 1959;
Thence by descent until sold (under the settlement agreement between the previous possessor of the painting and the heirs of  A. S. Drey of Munich), London, Sotheby's, 27 April 2006, lot 41, the full title passing to the current owner.

 

Berlin, Galerie Schäffer, Die Meister des Holländischen Interieurs, April – May 1929, no. 59.

C. von Bogendorf Rupprath, in Jan Miense Molenaer, Painter of the Dutch Golden Age, exhibition catalogue, Raleigh/Columbus/Manchester (NH) 2002-03, p. 33, reproduced fig. 7, as datable circa 1628–30 (as present whereabouts unknown).

The canvas has an old relining and the paint surface is pressed, but retains some impasto in places, like the feathers in the hat. The canvas is well-stretched and secure. There is frame- abrasion on all four edges. The paint surface is well-varnished and there is no sign of flaking or loss of paint. A thin craquelure throughout but stabilised by the varnish. The fleshiness of the children's faces and their modelling of their clothing have not suffered from thinning of paint and, crucially, retain their form against a flat background. The strong lighting also remains effective. Inspection under UV light reveals specks of restrengthenings throughout, especially the upper right background. Areas of more concentrated restoration are in the back of the boy's red coat, in the lower part of the girl's grey skirt, and to the space between the left and centre figure. There are two localized areas of repair: above the girl's head and to an old tear in the upper left corner. This lot is offered in a plain black frame of very good condition.
"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."