Attributed to Heinrich Friedrich Füger

The canvas is unlined and in very good condition. Underdrawing is visible in the figures. There are small scattered retouchings throughout, a more concentrated are in the upper left corner.
"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 composition is clearly indebted to Füger's painting of the same subject entitled Die Andacht of 1802–3, today in the Städtische Museen, Heilbronn. A slightly larger version, showing the two figures at half-length, was sold Budapest, Nagyhazi, 1–2 December 2001, lot 136 (R. Keil, Heinrich Friedrich Füger 1751–1818, 2009, p. 361, nos WV500 and WV501, both reproduced).