Jacob Adriaensz. Backer

J. Gans, The Hague, before1940, (as Anthony Van Dyck);
With Art Gallery Han Jüngeling, The Hague, 1964-1965; S. Mantell, Wassenaar (1965-);
Anonymous Sale, New York, Sotheby's, May 26, 2005, lot 106;
Whereby acquired by the present collector.

P.B.R. van den Brink, "Oeuvrecatalogus van de schilderijen van Jacob Backer", in P. van den Brink et. al., Jacob Backer (1608/9-1651). Museum Het Rembrandthuis, Amsterdam & Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, Aachen, Waanders, Zwolle 2008, pp. 205, 206, no. A4, reproduced;
P.B.R. van den Brink, "Uitmuntend schilder in het groot. De schilder en tekenaar Jacob Adriaensz. Backer", in P. van den Brink et. al., Jacob Backer (1608/9-1651). Museum Het Rembrandthuis, Amsterdam & Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, Aachen, Waanders, Zwolle 2008, pp. 44, 63-64, figs. 32, 64, 65 (detail)"

Panel is flat, made from two pieces of wood with a vertical join running down the middle of the panel, and cradled for support. The join is not visible from the back as the cradling covers it, but it is visible to the naked eye from the front. Retouches have been applied along the vertical join which are visible under UV. There appears to be an older, but light varnish applied to the painting. There are also retouches which seem to be applied on top of this varnish. The retouches are not overwhelming, and are applied to some of the darks of the drapery, in the forehead area of the sitter, and scattered in parts of the background. Otherwise the painting is in nice condition, especially the hair and ear of the sitter, which are painted quite well. In a carved wooden frame.
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.

We are grateful to Professor Werner Sumowski for confirming the attribution to Jacob Backer, on the basis of photographs. He dates the painting to circa 1635.