North Netherlandish School, early 17th century

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 26 February 1965, lot 66, for 600 guineas, where acquired by Maione (as Cuyp).

The panel is protected by a recently- attached layer of soft fabric and thick insulated board. From the front, the wood appears to be stable and flat. The work is slightly cooler and more acidic in tone than the catalogue reproduction suggests. The paint surface is in very good condition and requires no repair. There are three very hairline surface scratches in the background, upper centre, but these are only noticeable at very close range. Otherwise details like the lace along the children's aprons and cuffs is beautifully preserved with delicate impasto. There are patches of repair to the fronts of the children's aprons, tiny spot retouchings to their faces, and over-painting to a horizontal line beginning at the left hand edge. Inspection under UV light reveals two campaigns of restoration. The older consist of a repair to a split in the wood along the panel, about 26 cm from the lower edge. Also included are the above- mentioned retouchings to the aprons, faces and flooring, as well as some reinforcement to the wooden frame of the chair. The newer campaign is made up of the horizontal line mentioned above, measuring about 34 cm, as well as the repair of areas of dark background on either side of the child on the left, and a small patch to the lower right of the panel. The restoration work has been well- executed. This lot is sold in a Dutch- style frame of ebonised wood and faux- tortoiseshell.
"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."

The arms on the left are those of the Albout family of Flanders and the Watervliet family of Flanders. The arms on the right are those of the  Corswarem family of Limbourg and Leige and the Watervliet family of Flanders. Both sets of arms appear to be later additions.