MATTHIJS NAIVEU | Children playing in a street outside a cobbler's shop

In the possession of the family of the present owner for at least a century.

The canvas has been relined. The paint surface is now dirty and covered with a very yellowed layer of varnish. There is some incipient lifting of the paint, upper left. The thickness of the old varnish prevents assessment under ultraviolet light, but the painting would appear to be in good original condition beneath, with no major damages in evidence, except some very light blistering in the centre of the left margin. Offered in an English carved and 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."

Naiveu was the son of a wine merchant from Rotterdam and began his training with Abraham Toorenvliet (circa 1620–92) before being apprenticed to Gerrit Dou between 1667–69. This composition reflects the influence of Dou and the Leiden Fijnschilder tradition, and is very different to the style he developed after his move to Amsterdam towards the end of the 1670s, where many of his later works depicted different subjects such as theatrical performances often with figures from the commedia dell'arte.