Follower of Govert Flinck

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is secure although somewhat abraded and under a thick and dirty discoloured varnish. Innspection under UV is hindered by the varnish but some more recent retouchings do flouresce and there are scattered older retouchings visible to the naked eye. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame with some knocks and losses.
"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."

A late eighteenth-century copy after the signed original in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, inv. no. 1292, (see W. Sumovski, Gemälde der Rembrandt-Schüler, vol. II, Landau 1983, p. 1034, cat. no. 673, reproduced p. 1105). There is another known copy which bears the artist's signature and is dated 1641 found in Hedemmra, Sweden and mentioned in Sumovski, op. cit.. Both copies differ from the Paris prototype in their omission of the shepherdess' crook and the window frame.