Follower of Jan Cossiers

Anonymous sale, London, Phillips, 29 October 2001, lot 132 (as Jan Cossiers);
Anonymous sale, Amsterdam, Christie's, 16 November 2005, lot 4, where purchased by the present owner.

The panel is cradled and flat. There is tenting throughout the paint surface: upper centre, which has resulted in a very small loss; upper left in the man's hair; in the lower left corner and the man's left hand; lower centre; centre right; and in the upper right corner. There is a small bare patch in the upper left corner (visible in the catalogue illustration). Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouching to all the aforementioned vertical areas of tenting, as well as restoration to the man's right hand, and very small areas of retouching either side of the man's eye and in his jacket. In overall moderate 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."

Several versions of this composition exist. One, recorded by the Nederlands Instituut voor Kunstgeschiedenis as attributed to Jan Cossiers, was sold Antwerp, Veilinghuis Bernaerts, 12–13 May 2014, lot 186. The composition is thought to represent one of the five senses, that of touch.