Nicolaes Maes

Madame Karel Ooms-van Eersel;
Her sale, Antwerp, 15 May 1922, lot 214;
Sale, Brussels, H. Nicaise, 16-17 December 1932, lot 29.

The canvas has been fairly recently relined, cleaned and restored. The paint surface secure and stable. The picture is in sound condition with clear colours and the impasto in the brushwork well preserved. The varnish is clear but patchy and uneven. Inspection under UV light shows that the dark tones of the background, the dog’s head, and the outlines round the head and hands had sunk have subsequently been strengthened. There is very little restoration in the figure bar a few minor ones in the face. This lot is offered in a simple modern ebonised Dutch bevelled frame 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 is a reduced autograph version of the prime lifesize picture in the the San Diego Museum of Fine Arts (inv. no. 1926.120). Maes often painted smaller versions to accompany his lifesize works, presumably for other family members.

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie for confirming the attribution on the basis of photographs.