Circle of Thomas de Keyser

Sir Nicholas Edgar, Glenham Magna, Norfolk;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's 2 April 1900, lot 86 (as Frans Hals, 38 guineas, acquired by Lane);
Eugene Fischhof, Paris;
From whom acquired by Clement A. Griscom Esq., Philadelphia, in 1903;
By whom bequeathed to his wife, Mrs. Griscom;
Her sale, New York, American Art Association, 26 February 1914, lot 19 (as Frans Hals);
Where acquired by W.B. Thompson for $1,900;
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 7 June 2002, lot 21.

The painting appears to have been restored in the recent past and requires no further work. The canvas is relined and and the paint surface is stable under a clear varnish. The surface appears to have suffered in the past and inspection under UV reveals scattered retouching throughout the figure and concentrated further in the background, however the restorations have been sensitively applied and do not require further attention. There is an area of old damage that has been filled and retouched along the edge of the jaw. The painting is ready to hang in its present state and is offered in an impressive elaborately carved gilt wood 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.