Anonymous sale, San Francisco, Butterfield's, 11 November 1992, lot 3034 (as Attributed to Nicolaes Maes);
There purchased by the present owner.

Canvas has an old relining. The picture is under a uniformly dirty old varnish which has discolored over time and begun to bloom in areas of the background, and in particular over the dark passages of the composition. Under UV this varnish is quite thick and milky, rendering any significant older retouches which may be beneath invisible. A few thin retouches are visible in areas of slightly raised cracquelure, along the sitters right wrist and in the top left background. A surface clean and fresh varnish would certainly improve the image, especially given that no major damages are immediately visible.
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.