Follower of Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes

Purchased by a forebear of the present owner in the 1940s, and thence by family descent.

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish is discoloured. The impasto paint work in the sleeves of the women is well preserved. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals very few retouchings, save for a small area 2 x 2 cm. upper right above the standing figure, and to a horizontal line centre right measuring approx. 20 cm., perhaps caused by a previous fold. There is also some retouching scattered along the margins. In overall very good condition. Offered in a plain gilt wood frame in good condition.
"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."

The version of this composition widely accepted as the autograph prime is that recorded in the collection of Baron Edmond de Rothschild in Switzerland.¹ A second version, variously ascribed to Goya, is in the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.² There are differences in the two paintings, namely the position of the seated woman, right, and the cloaked figure behind her. The present copy is directly related to the Metropolitan version, and reflects all the same differences.

Copies in oil after the Metropolitan version by Leonardo Alenza (in the Pezzoli collection), Francisco Lameyer and Eugenio Lucas Velázquez are recorded.³

1. See P. Gassier and J. Wilson, Goya, his life and work, London 1971, p. 266, cat. no. 959, reproduced.
2. Gassier and Wilson 1971, p. 266, cat. no. 960, reproduced.
3. See the Metropolitan Museum online cataloguing; acc. no. 29.100.10; accessed 29 October 2017.