Jan Miense Molenaer

Dr. Leon Lilienfeld, Vienna, 1917;
Thence by inheritance to his widow Antonie Schulz Lilienfeld, Winchester MA, 1938;
By whose estate sold, New York, Sotheby's, 17 May 1972, lot 22;
There acquired and thence by descent. 

G. Glück, Niederländische Gemälde aus der Sammlung des Herrn Dr. Leon Lilienfeld in Wien, Vienna 1917, p. 65, cat. no. 42, reproduced p. 22;
S. Lillie, Was Einmal War, Vienna 2003, p. 688, cat. no. 42 (as signed and dated lower left: J. Molenaar 1647).

Channel is flat, stable, beveled on all four sides and comprised of a single piece of wood. UV light reveals retouches in the sky that are quite broadly applied, as well as more sensitively applied retouches in the wood grains that are visible along the female sitters face, clothing and forearm. The overall tonality of the painting has darkened over time, this is especially true in the sky, but the painting could be hung in its current state. In a carved gilt wood 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."

We are grateful to Dr. Dennis Weller for endorsing the attribution on the basis of images.