Jan Havicksz. Steen

Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, P. van der Schley, 7 May 1804, lot 150;
H. S. Wayland (from an old printed label on the reverse);
Dr. John D. Pitts;
By whom (anonymously) sold, New York, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 6 December 1973, lot 135;
There purchased by Mrs. M. Focaroh.

C. Hofstede de Groot, A Catalogue Raisonné..., London 1908, vol. I, p. 112, cat. no. 429 (with dimensions of 25 by 20 in.; with incorrect lot number for the 1804 sale);                                      ;
K. Braun, Alle tot nu toe bekende schilderijen van Jan Steen, Rotterdam 1980, p. 150, cat. no. A-254 (as only known from documents).

The canvas has been wax relined and the surface has been pressed as a result. Some thinness in the grey coat of the boy at left and figure at center. Overall, the painting still reads well. Under UV light: scattered small retouches on figures. A larger area of retouching can be seen on the upper part of the costume on central figure. Retouchings along edges. This painting has not been restored in a long time and would benefit from sensitive restoration and a fresh varnish. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The subject is the celebration of Vastenavond (Shrove Tuesday), the festival preceding the period of Lent.  The boy at left plays a rommelpot, an instrument consisting of an animal bladder stretched across an earthenware pot or jug and manipulated by a reed stick, which made a particularly raucous sound.  The small girl joyously holds aloft a waffle, one of the traditional foods eaten on that date.

The slightly larger dimensions of this painting as given by Hofstede de Groot (see Literature), indicates that the canvas may have been reduced slightly.  It is comparable in both size and style to a work by Steen, titled The Syrup Eater, of circa 1664-68 depicting two children in a landscape which is in the Kunsthalle, Hamburg.