Circle of Dirck Dircksz. van Santvoort

Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 19 January 1982, lot 131 (as attributed to Gerard Donck);
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 10 October 1991, lot 90 (as by Dirck Dircksz. van Santvoort);
Errera, Brussels.

The actual painting is softer and less yellow in tone than the catalogue illustration suggest. The panel consists of 3 planks joined horizontally and is in good condition. There's a small surface scratch to the upper left, but otherwise, no damages are apparent. The paint layer is secure and a lot of detail has been preserved in the figures. Some small scattered retouchings can be made out with the naked eye in the background and the floor. The paint surface is under a fairly clear varnish layer. Inspection under UV light reveals additional small retouchings in the floor and two tiny ones in the face of the man. Offered in a black wood frame with milled fillets in good condition.
"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."

This painting is the left hand half of a larger composition. The right hand half, showing a Gentleman and a young boy, standing full length, was sold, Cologne, Lempertz, 21 April 1939, lot 693, as by Thomas de Keyser, so the panels must have been divided before this date.