Pieter de Bloot

With Van Diemen & Co., The Hague;
Constantinus L. Fliermans, Jr., Nijmegen;
Mrs. Maria F. K. Fliermans;
By whom given to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in memory of Constantinus Lucas Fliermans Jr.;
By whom deaccessioned for sale, New York, Sotheby's, 27 January 2006, lot 248.

P. Wescher, A Catalogue of Flemish, German, Dutch and English Paintings, Los Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles 1954, vol. II, p. 47, no. 50, reproduced (as Cornelis Saftleven);
S. Schaefer and P. Fusco, European Painting and Sculpture in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles 1987, p. 19, reproduced.

The catalogue illustration is a little yellow in tone. The uncradled oak support has an irregular shallow bevel on all four sides, though it is barely perceptible on two. The panel is very slightly bowed at the extreme right. There are early signs of lifting in the extreme lower right. The paint surface is generally very well preserved. There are some restorations and retouchings sporadically through the background, and on the back of the dog. The Ratcatcher's beard is lightly retouched. Sold with a modern black frame.
"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."