Quiringh Gerritsz. van Brekelenkam

Mrs. Paul Bergman, New York;
By whom anonymously sold, New York, Sotheby's, 22 October 1970, lot 82;
There acquired and thence by descent.  

The panel is flat stable beveled on all four sides and comprised of a single piece of wood. To the naked eye the picture presents a strong image and could probably be hung in its current state. The paint has thinned somewhat in the darker areas of the background. UV light reveals a dirty milky varnish with a couple of retouches visible above the varnish, namely along the outer edge of the babies wicker basket. Otherwise no retouches of note are visible. In a carved gilt wood 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. 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."

In this painting, the artist fills his pipe by the fireplace, his palette resting on a chair.  To his left is his wife, feeding their child, while their other child plays with a doll near a wickerwork cradle at left. 

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer for endorsing the attribution after first hand inspection.