CASPAR NETSCHER | Portrait of two young girls in a park, one playing with a dog, the other holding a carnation from a pot

Anonymous sale after Mr. Cottreau death, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, Maître Bonnefons de Lavialle, 15/16 December 1851, lot 36, described as Deux jeunes filles jouant avec des fleurs;
Anonymous sale after Mrs Nelson-Cottreau death, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, Maître Charles Pillet, 17 January 1881, lot 12, described as Enfants dans un parc ; 
Belonging to Monsieur le Comte de X.... (Comte de la Haye-Montbault), Paris, Hôtel Drouot, Maître Gustave Larbepenet, 10 June 1913, lot 12, described as Infantes d'Espagne.

A l’œil nu : Le tableau apparaît dans un bon état de conservation. L’unique panneau de chêne est biseauté sur ses quatre côtés. Il porte une ancienne étiquette avec un numéro d’inventaire, collée en bas à gauche sur le recto. On observe quelques sécheresses mineures en haut à gauche. Le tableau porte un vernis brillant. Quelques minceurs de la couche picturale peuvent être observées au niveau du chien et des parties plus sombres. Les contours des personnages et la signature sont bien conservés. A la lampe UV : Le tableau apparaît sous une couche de vernis épaisse qui fluoresce de façon importante. On remarque quelques anciennes reprises dans l’architecture et les personnages. Vendu dans un cadre en bois doré sculpté, avec quelques éclats et altérations. The actual painting is a bit less red than the catalogue illustration would suggest. Overall the painting appears to be in a good condition. Under the naked eye : The single piece of oak panel is bevelled on all sides. An old label with an inventory number is affixed to the front lower left. Some minor dryness can be observed upper left. Covered with a shiny varnish layer. Some thinness can be seen in the dog and other darker parts. The colours of the figures and the signature seem to be very nicely preserved. Under UV Light : Covered with a thick shiny varnish layer which fluoresces largely. Showing some old strengthenings on the architecture and the figures. Offered with a carved and giltwood frame, some chips and damages.
"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."

Dr. Marjorie E. Wieseman has kindly endorsed the attribution to the artist on the basis of photographs. Our painting can be compared with a Family portrait in the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam, of the same year (inv. 1587); it shows the same pot with carnations as well.