Bartholomeus Breenbergh

Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, January 26, 2006, lot 25;
Whereby purchased by the present owner.

Panel is flat, made from a single piece of wood, and beveled on three sides. This painting is in very good condition. There is good coloration and retention of paint. There appear to be only a few small scattered retouches, notably along the right edge of the torso of the naked seated figure, in the white blanket, and in the sky, though these are quite minor. Painting may be hung as is. 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.

In a private communication Professor Marcel Rothlisberger confirms the present painting to be by Breenbergh and notes that the classical female figure does not represent a specific mythological character; however, she can possibly be identified as a goddess (Venus with Cupid or Diana and her nymphs.) Rothlisberger also compares the style and subject in this picture to two other panels of about the same size and both dated 1647, the first representing Diana and her Nymphs, in Grenoble(see M. Rothlisberger, Bartholomeus Breenbergh, catalogue of the exhibiton, New York, 1991, cat. no. 24).