Leiden School, early 18th Century

Galerie Internationale, The Hague, by 1940;
With J. Gans, The Hague, by 1941;
Anonymous sale, March 1962, lot 847 (as by Willem van Mieris).

Wiesbaden, Museum Wiesbaden, 5 Sammler - 5 Meinungen, 8 April - 27 May 1973 (as by Frans van Mieris). 

The actual painting is a lot softer and less red in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of one plank and has been cradled. No damages seem to be apparent. Small retouched paint losses are visible along the upper right edge, in the lower centre, along the lower edge, in the nude's right foot and in the blue drapery on the right. There's a small scratch in the figure of Apelles on the left. Otherwise, the paint layer seems to be in excellent condition. Tiny spots of retouching can be observed in the draperies on the right, in the elderly lady's face, and in the painter's cloak.The paint layer is covered with a thick and glossy layer of varnish. Inspection under Ultra-Violet light confirms the aforementioned retouchings and reveals a few tiny additional retouchings in the centre background, in the carpet lower right, and in the drapery of the putto. Offered in a decorative carved and gilt wood frame, in fair condition. (MW)
"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."

Although this fine painting is clearly reminiscent of the Leiden Fijnschilders of the late 17th and early 18th Century, it still awaits a definite attribution. In the anonymous sale of 1962 it was attributed to Willem van Mieris (1662-1747), from whose work it borrows several elements such as the mythological subject, the rug and the figures. Other artists around Willem van Mieris, such as Hieronymus van der Mij (1687-1761) come close, but do not quite fit the style of this painting.

An attribution to a non-Leiden, but Delft artist, Thomas van der Wilt (1659-1733) has tentatively been suggested by Junko Aono. She sees a similarity in the rendering of the draperies and the hands, but misses Van der Wilt's familiar faces.