George Hendrik Breitner

H.J. van der Weele, The Hague (by 1892)
G.H. Breitner, Amsterdam (by 1901)
Kunsthandel E.J. van Wisselingh & Co., Amsterdam (by 1916)
Ary Prins, Schiedam (by 1916)
Kunsthandel E.J. van Wisselingh & Co., Amsterdam (by 1924)
H.E. ten Cate Collection, Almelo; thence by descent to the present owner

Amsterdam, Arti et Amicitiae, Keuze tentoonstelling van Hedendaagsche Kunst, 1892, no. 22
Rotterdam, Rotterdamse Kunst Kring, Breitner en Karsen, 1897, no. 19
Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum, Breitner, 1933, no. 95, illustrated in the catalogue
Rotterdam, Boymans van Beuningen, Breitner, 1953, no. 14, illustrated in the catalogue
Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum, G.H. Breitner, 1994-95, no. 30, illustrated in the catalogue (as Dronken meid (Slapend meisje))

Dr Dirk Hannema, Catalogue of the H.E. ten Cate Collection, Rotterdam, 1955, no. 42, pl. 79, illustrated
Paul Hefting, G.H Breitner in zijn Haagse tijd, Utrecht, 1970, no. 70, illustrated

This work is in good overall condition and ready to hang. There is a backing canvas visible on the reverse which appears to have been used to give support to the original canvas, although the painting is not fully relined onto it. There is a pattern of fine craquelure overall which is slightly more open in the red item on the table. Under ultra-violet light the old varnish layers somewhat obscure a clear reading of the surface however only minor retouching is visible, notably a small area in the dark background above the table and a couple of short strokes at the left framing edge. Presented in a decorative gilt frame, with a cloth-covered inner slip. The colours in reality are less yellow compared with the catalogue illustration, cleaner and subtler.
"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."

Painted circa 1890. The present work was one of the artist's favourites, so much so that Breitner pleaded with his patron and fellow artist Herman Johannes van der Weele to allow him to present it as a wedding present to his new wife Marie Jordan in 1901 (see Hefting, op. cit., no. 68, p. 160).