Jules Breton

Charles Sedelmeyer (and sold, his sale, Galerie Sedelmeyer, Paris, June 12-14, 1907, lot 3 (as Jeune Bretonne allaitant son Enfant))
M. Schnell (acquired at the above sale) 
Thomas McLean, London
Hammer Galleries, New York
Private Collection, Maryland (thence by descent)
Schiller & Bodo, New York
Acquired from the above

Le Bulletin de l'Art Ancien et Moderne, Paris, no. 324, January 5, 1907, p. 196 
L'Art, Paris, no. 807, January 1907, p. 279

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc: This work is in excellent condition. The canvas has an old glue lining. The paint layer is clean and attractively varnished. The original paint layer reads quite strongly throughout under ultraviolet light. However, there seem to only be retouches in two or three small cracks in the mother's left forearm. The work should be hung as is.
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.

Completed in 1873, the mother and child of the present work are featured in a larger composition, Le Repos des faneuses (fig. 1), completed the same year. Jeune Mère allaitant son enfant was first intended as a study, though it was later fully realized, signed and dated by the artist.