Eugen von Blaas

Emilio Aickelin, Venice
Galerie Heinemann, Munich
Private Collector, Florida (acquired in Europe in the 20th century) 
Private Collector, Georgia (by descent from the above)
Thence by descent

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This painting has never been removed from its original stretcher and the canvas is therefore unlined. The paint layer is slightly cracked here and there and it may be worth considering a lining however, the paint is not unstable and the picture could be hung as is. The painting has been unevenly cleaned in the past although some areas are cleaner than others, for instance the lighter colors are particularly clean but a good deal of yellow varnish seems to remain elsewhere. At present under ultraviolet light retouches are visible in a few spots in the foliage on the extreme left side, to the left of the elbow of the standing woman and in a few touches around the edge of her dress. There are also a few retouches on the extreme edge of the lower wing of the duck as it falls against the dress and there are also a few retouches in this same dress. The remainder of the picture has not been cleaned and does not appear to have received any restoration, except possibly the top of the little girl's head on the left side. Any repainting in the dress of the standing woman behind this girl seems to be original. The picture is in very good condition and it could be hung as is however, further careful cleaning would benefit the distribution of color and a lining would improve the surface if necessary.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."