Jan Miense Molenaer

Fideikommiss Galerie, Hannover;
In the family of the present owners since the early 20th Century.

Katalog der zum Ressort der Königlichen Verwaltungs-Kommission gehörigen Sammlung . . . im Provinzial-Museumsgebäude . . . zu Hannover, Hannover 1891, p. 149, no. 318.

The support consists of one flat and stable panel. The painting is slightly cooler than the catalogue illustration suggests. To the naked eye the paint surface appears stable and secure, if a little dirty. Areas of abrasion and where the paint has become somewhat sunken can be made out in the centre of the roof of of the barn and in some of the darker passages in the central figures. Some retouchings to these areas are also apparent. The figures far right and far left, and the areas immediately around them, are more substantially abraded and repainted. Inspection under UV light reveals older and more recent retouchings in the roof of the barn and in the brown background tones and in the aforementioned figures. These strengthenings and retouchings are mostly confined to the darker tones. Offered in later leaf motif, gold painted frame in fair 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."