After Frans Hals

Anonymous sale, London, Christie’s, 6 February 1953, lot 112, for 500 guineas to King.

S. Slive, Frans Hals, London 1970, vol. III, p. 36, under no. 59 (as a copy).

The picture is warmer and more pinkish in tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest. It is on a flat stable panel with butterfly supports to an old split along the grain on the reverse. The paint surface is in very good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye, however the restored split is visible in the paint surface under a raking light. The paint is also thin in the background upper left and upper right. Examination under ultraviolet confirms the presence of retouching along the old restored panel split and reveals some further minor retouching to the background, centre left which loosely echoes the contour of the figure's head. There is also evidence of very minor flecks of old cosmetic retouching to the areas of shadow in the face. Ultraviolet also reveals a discoloured varnish which hinders further inspection, however the painting appears to be in good overall condition. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and plaster frame in good overall 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."

An early copy derived from the circular panel of the same subject today in the Staatliche Museen, Schwerin (see S. Slive, Frans Hals, London 1970, vol. III, p. 36, no. 59).