Petrus Johannes van Reyschoot

Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Gentleman"), London, Bonhams, 4 December 1997, lot 90, for £26,000, where acquired by the present owner.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The canvas is lined and the paint surface is stable although the paint is raised along the stretcher marks around the edges and through the centre of the canvas. Under U-V light a scattering of retouchings can be seen along these stretcher marks, through the dark cracks of the standing female figure, left ,and the pale cracks to the seated male figures' jacket, the legs of the flautist and the jacket of the servant, right. There are further pale shrinkage cracks at the bottom of the picture. There would be a slight tonal change if the varnish were removed. Overall, the painting is in a good condition. Gilt wood frame, some minor chips."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."