Anthonie Palamedesz.

Anonymous sale, London, Phillips, 16 July 1985, lot 84 (as a Follower of Anthonie Palamedes);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 3 December 1997, lot 1.

P. Sutton, Otto Naumann, Ltd., Old Master Paintings, New York 1999, pp. 68-9, cat. no. 23, reproduced in color;
W. Liedtke (ed.), Vermeer and the Delft School, exhibition catalogue, New York 2001, pp. 267-8, reproduced, fig. 249.

The panel is uncradled and has been beveled on all four sides. It is flat and has been incised on the reverse with a six-pointed star. The paint surface appears stable and in good condition. Under UV, a few isolated spots of retouch become visible, for example, over the shoulder (above and to the left) of the man standing in front of the fireplace and in the upper background. A line of retouch applied to repair an old crack extends from the right edge, through the fireplace hood, about 1 1/4 inches from the top of the panel. This repair can just be detected with the naked eye. Overall, in good condition. In a carved and black painted wood 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.

Interior scenes depicting soldiers at rest became especially fashionable after 1621 when the Twelve Years' Truce with Spain ended. ¹ Stationed throughout the United Provinces, troops would routinely have long stretches of leisure, during which they interacted with the local population as they awaited orders from The Hague. Often referred to as cortegaerdje, these lively scenes accurately depict troops in their time away from the battle field, either alone or with local citizens. The principal exponents in this genre were Pieter Codde, Willem Duyster and Simon Kick in Amsterdam; Jacob Duck in Utrecht; and Anthonie Palamedesz. and Jacob van Velsen in Delft.  As is typical in these scenes, resting soldiers are seen seated and engaged in conversation while they relax and tend to their uniforms.  In other examples, figures are depicted arguing over plunder, carousing with prostitutes, or simply playing cards or enjoying a pipe.

The present work is a fine example of this type of work which Palamedesz. specialized in throughout the 1640s and 1650s. Though Palamedesz seems to have focussed on musical and merry companies early in his career, works such as the present guardroom interior are what he became most sought after for during his career in Delft. The present composition may be compared with another by Palamedesz. from 1647 in the Rijksmuseum (inv. no. A3024), in which the scene is reversed, and the same officer delivers orders to his fellow guardsmen.

1.  See Literature, op. cit., p. 266.