Attributed to Gerard ter Borch

The canvas has an old and heavy relining which has slightly flattened the paint surface. The two left hand corners have suffered some paint loss. The picture has recently been cleaned and restored and is in reasonable condition overall. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals an old restored L-shaped 5cm tear just behind the man in armour. In addition there are scattered retouchings, notably to the hair and head of the man with a moustache, the hand of the man with the cards and the wall behind, to the face and hat of the standing man and to the background to the left of him. The upper edge has been reinforced. Apart from this the majority of details of the costumes and still ife elements appear well preserved. This lot is sold unframed.
"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."

Possibly a second autograph version of Ter Borch's original on panel (28 by 37 cm.) in the Museum in Zwolle (see S.J. Gudlaugsson, Katalog der Gemälde Gerard Ter Borchs, The Hague 1960, vol. II, p. 64, cat. no. 21, reproduced vol. I, p. 195, plate 21). We are grateful to Fred Meijer for endorsing the attribution.