French School, early 17th Century

Window mounted. A few repaired holes (repairs visible on the verso). A strip of paper has been added to the left margin. Some brown staining - the most prominent stain is at the upper margin in the center of the sheet around the repaired hole. Black chalk still strong. Sold in gilded 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.

Compositions of this subject were made popular at the beginning of the 17th Century by a number of French Caravaggisti, such as Simon Vouet and Jean Valentin de Boulogne.

Set in the less than salubrious surroundings of a 17th Century tavern, the present scene depicts a youthful soldier, somewhat foppish in his appearance, having his palm read by a seemingly innocent gypsy girl. With eyes only for the fairer sex the man seems distracted from the scene occurring behind him, as another woman, possibly an accomplice of the fortune teller, rifles through his belongings. Similarly to other genre paintings of the time, this work is imbued with an underlying moral lesson for the viewer to consider.