After Jan Steen

Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, J.P. Wierman, 18 August 1762;
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Angelberts en Tersteeg, 13 June 1808 (Purchased by Spaan);
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, C. Buys, 4 April 1827;
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, A.H.H. v.d. Burgh uit Den Haag, 21 September 1904 (Purchased by Kunsthandel Hamburger);
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Jos Monchen, 30 April 1907 (Purchased by Van Arkel);
With Colnaghi, London;
From whom purchased by Markus Kappel, Berlin;
Anonymous sale ("New York Private Collector"), New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, 12 November 1952, lot 46 (titled The Declaration of Love);
Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 3 June 1987, lot 100 (as Jan Steen).

C. Hofstede de Groot, A Catalogue Raisonné..., London 1908, vol. I, p. 221, translator's note to cat. no. 822;                                     
K. Braun, Jan Steen, Rotterdam 1983, pp. 176, cat. no. B.227, reproduced p. 177.

Oil on canvas, lined. The picture surface is in overall fair condition aside from a stable web of craquelure and pigment separation. Surface dirt. Frame abrasions at the lower and left edges. Under UV light, there is a thick green varnish that obscures the surface.
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.