Jacob Duck

Probably, Dr. Bragge, London;
By whom probably sold, London, Prestage, 25 January 1754, lot 54, for £26 (as Gabriel Metsu, "A young Gentleman at his Mistress's Toylet giving her a Pinch of Snuff, she is stringing a Pearl, width 1ft 6 in, height 1 ft 10 in");
Collection at Forty Hall, Enfield (as Gabriel Metsu);
Collection at White House, Tonbridge (as Gabriel Metsu);
Mrs. Whitelaw Reid (as Gabriel Metsu);
Thence by descent to her son, Ogden Reid, New York (as Gabriel Metsu);
Thence by descent to his widow, Mrs. Ogden Reid (as Gabriel Metsu);
By whose estate sold, New York, Sotheby's, 20 May 1971, lot 33 (as Jacob Duck);
There acquired by Leger Galleries, ans subsequently purchased by the present family.

Probably, A. Waiboer, Gabriel Metsu: Life and Work, A Catalogue Raisonné, New Haven 2012, p. 306, cat. no. C-220 (as Gabriel Metsu, known only through description).

This work is executed on canvas which has that been laid on to a cradled panel. Overall this picture presents well, is clean and is in good condition despite being laid down. The paint surface is a bit thin in areas of the background but the central figures and their associated objects are all well preserved. UV light shows just a few minor retouches in the background and outer edges of the painting but there are no major damages or losses to speak of. In a carved giltwood 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. 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."

Jacob Duck was originally trained as a goldsmith, and began his studies as a painter with Cornelis Droochsloot at what was then the advanced age of twenty-one.  At that time, painting in Utrecht was largely the domain of the Caravaggisti, but Duck took a different direction, modelling his style on the works of the Amsterdam artists Pieter Codde and Willem Duyster.  He concentrated on contemporary genre scenes, particularly those of guardrooms and interiors with elegantly dressed figures, as visible in the present painting.  Although long considered a work of Gabriel Metsu, this painting, which depicts a brightly lit interior with gentleman presenting a snuff box to a lady stringing a pearl at a table draped in colorful fabrics, exemplifies Jacob Duck's controlled style as well as his restrained yet striking palette.

We are grateful to Fred G. Meijer for endorsing the attribution after first hand inspection. We are also grateful to Dr. Jochai Rosen for endorsing the attribution on the basis of images and for suggesting a completion date of circa 1658-1662.