Stanley Mortimer, by 1944;
By whose estate sold, New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, December 2, 1944, lot 93 (as by Jan Davidsz de Heem and a Follower of Sir Anthony van Dyck, possibly Thomas Willeboirts), for $550, to Hartveld;
S.Hartveld;
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, March 13, 1985, lot 103 (as by Attributed to by Johannes van Noort and Frans van Everbroeck);
With Otto Naumann, Ltd., New York;
From whom purchased in 1987 by a private collector, New York.

Relined and paint surface is slightly pressed, most noticeably in the upper background and foliage at top which is also a bit thin. however, the detail in figures and still life elements is very well retained and colors remain fresh and strong. ultraviolet lfight reveals tiny, scattered retouches to faces and other flesh areas of figures, with some slightly larger inpaints of craquelure on girl's forehead, and some scattered retouches here and there in background. there is what appears to be an older retouch under right eye of girl and some on boy's forehead and cheeks. there is no need for further work and painting can be hung as is. In a plain brown wood frame with carved and gilt inner trim.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present work represents a collaborative effort between Frans van Everbroeck and Theodoor van Thulden. The staffage appears to be by Van Thulden, and can most likely be placed in the later part of his career in 's-Hertogenbosch, circa 1644-1669. The overflowing baskets, representing the abundance of nature, are characteristic of Everbroeck. Set in an idealized landscape the young girl clutches and displays a bunch of grapes, the traditional symbol for fruitfulness. Its meaning conveys 👍not only a wish for a happy life for the child, but is further emblematic of the success of her parents' union. The perfection of the raised grapes is also reflective of the concept that the child should be well bred. The natural setting underscores not only the innocence embodied by the young girl, but also the parallels between the frailty of both flowers and the innocence of childhood.   This winged child may be viewed as a type of guardian angel meant to protect as well as continually inspire its charge to goodness.