After Frans van Mieris the Elder

Emma Budge, Hamburg, by 1925;
Her forced sale, Berlin, Paul Graupe, 4-6 October 1937, lot 5;
Private collection, Hamburg (acquired at the above sale);
Restituted from the above to the Emma Budge Estate, 2010.

Hamburg, Kunsthalle, Leih-Ausstellung aus Hamburgischen Privatbesitz in der Kunsthalle, May 1925, cat. no. 222.

O. Naumann, Frans van Mieris, Doornspijk 1981, vol. II, pp. 110-1, under cat. no. 101, no. f, reproduced fig. C101f.

The actual painting is a little softer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The single panel is stable and enlarged with thin strips of wood along the left and right margins, possibly to fit the frame. The paint layer is secure and no damages are apparent. The paint surface is under a somewhat dirty varnish. Inspection under UV light is largely impeded by the dirty varnish, but there's some minor retouching to the lower right, and possibly some minor retouching in the right side of the figure's face. Offered in a decorative gilt wood frame in fair condition.
"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."

After a lost original by Frans van Mieris the Elder (1635-1681) of which numerous copies are known (see under Literature).