The surface of the work is in overall good condition. Craquelure throughout. Under UV; 4 small dots of inpainting.
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.

This charming genre scene is the work of the Belgian painter François Eisen, who specialized in such images after his move to Paris circa 1745, where he joined his son Charles, who was also an artist.  Eisen often created his lighthearted scenes in pairs, and a painting of A Young Woman Selling Waffles that was sold at Christie's in Amsterdam, 13 April 2010, lot 110 would seem to be a likely pendant to the present picture.  Not only are both works almost identical in size and signed and dated in the same format, they also both depict figures viewed through stone niches that act as clever framing devices.