Studio of Dirck van Baburen

Prince Rohan, Vienna (as by Honthorst);
By whom given (according to family records) circa 1860 to Dr. Alajos Paikert, Royal Court Physician, Budapest (as by Honthorst);
Thence by descent to his son, Alajos de Paikert, Budapest;
By whose widow entrusted to Mrs. Vera Meyer-Grebe for safekeeping in Switzerland during the 1950s (held back from export to Switzerland and deposited by Hungarian authorities in the Swiss Embassy, Budapest);
Swiss Embassy, Budapest, inv. no. 697, until 1998 (as by an Utrecht master, 17th century, perhaps Bylert);
Szepmuveszeti Muzeum, Budapest (called Honthorst, but recognized as a version of Baburen's 'The Concert');
Returned to Helen Paikert, United States;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This oil on canvas is in lovely condition. The canvas has an old glue lining which is reasonably successfully however, a join to the canvas is very visible situated approximately six inches from the bottom edge. It is unclear as to whether the added section beneath this join is period or not, and it may be that it is a slightly later addition applied to add more to this portion of the composition. If it is not period a good deal of restoration will be eliminated through the conservation process. Apart from the join and the surrounding areas, there is an old tear in the base of the sleeve of the violinist which has been restored and a few spots of restoration in the upper left. In general the condition of the bulk of the painting is excellent and it will respond extremely well to a full cleaning, a change of lining and a possible reduction in the scan of the picture, if indeed this lower portion is not period. Overall the condition is extremely good.
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.

The present composition repeats on a slightly larger scale Baburen's Concert in the Hermitage, St. Petersburg.