Jan Mijtens

The painting is made up of three vertical panels, which are uncradled, flat and stable, though repair has been made to a split in the right-hand plank. The paint surface is clean and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a vertical line of sensitive restoration to the aforementioned split in the right-hand plank, running the length of the panel, just less than a third from the right-hand margin. There are a handful of small vertical lines of finely-rendered restoration around the lower part of this line, and spot retouching in the foliage towards the top. There are scattered spot retouchings in the sky, but otherwise very little intervention. In overall good condition. Offered in an ebonised Dutch frame with gold, decorative sight edge.
"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."

Granida and Daifilo are the lovers from the Dutch pastoral play by Pieter Cornelisz Hooft, published in 1615 - and provided inspiration for a number of artists, including Pieter Lastman, Jacob Adriaensz. Backer, and Gerrit van Honthorst. Granida, the daughter of a Persian king and betrothed to Prince Tisiphernes, loses her way while out hunting. Here, Mijtens depicts the moment when the shepherd Daifilo fetches water for the princess to drink and falls in love with her. After a number of trials Prince Tisiphernes yields his claim to Granida, and she and Daifilio are permitted to marry. Mijtens painted another version of this theme, today in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, datable to circa 1660.¹ The putti here are found in reverse in a signed and dated painting of 1646 of Bacchus and Ariadne by Mijtens, now in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg.²

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the RKD, The Hague, for endorsing the attribution to Mijtens, and for suggesting a date before 1660.

1. Inv. no. A1856; see A.N. Bauer, Jan Mijtens (1613/14-1670). Lieben und Werk, Petersberg 2006, pp. 277-78, cat. no. A152, reproduced p. 428, fig. 152.
2. Inv. no. 3422; see Bauer 2006, pp. 275-76, cat. no. A150, reproduced p. 426, fig. 150.