After Jacob Duck

Provenance: Max Wassermann, Paris, 1967; His sale, Paris, Galliéra, 26 November 1967, lot 12, as attributed to Jacob Duck. Literature: N. Salomon, Jacob Duck and the gentrification of Dutch Genre Painting, Doornspijk 1998, pp. 84, 145, cat. no. 18B, reproduced fig. 79. Catalogue note: An 18th Century copy after Duck's original in the Gemäldegalerie der Akademie der Bildenden Künste, Vienna (inv. no. 713). A photograph in the files of the R.K.D., The Hague, reveals that by 1948 the obscene gesture, internationally known as 'giving the fig', in the present work had been over painted and replaced by a rose. However, according to Salomon before 1967 the original vulgar gesture was restored, without removing the rose.1 1. See Salomon, under Literature, p. 145. Condition report: The single panel is flat and stable and unbeveled. No damages are apparent. The paint surface is a little abraded in the brownish tones, and in the blue drapery lower left, but otherwise, well preserved, particularly the highlights. Minor retouchings are visible along the upper edge and in the blue drapery lower centre left. Inspection under UV light reveals additional scattered retouchings in the figures' costumes, in the attributes and in the chair lower right. Offered in a plain gold painted wood frame with a few losses.
"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."

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