Hoffman collection, Vienna;
Anonymous sale ("The Property of a Lady"), London, Christie's, 17 July 1964, lot 34 (as Gerbrandt van den Eeckhout), to Elsricke;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 17 April 2002, lot 60 (As Rembrandt School, circa 1640).

W. Sumowski, Gemälde der Rembrandt-Schüler, IV, Landua/Pfalz 1983, p. 2281, cat. no. 9 (as "anonymes Schulwerk im Stil der 1640er Jahre");
V. Manuth, Ikonographische Studien zu den Historien des Alten Testaments by Rembrandt und seiner frühen Amsterdamer Schule, dissertation, Freie Universität, Berlin 1987, no. 62 (as "Anonymer Rembrandt-Schüler").

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This fairly large work has not been recently restored. The paint layer is dirty, and the varnish shows noticeable scuffs and abrasions. The canvas has an old European lining, which is still actively supporting the paint layer. The canvas is probably made from two sections joined vertically between the two figures in the center. If and when the painting is cleaned, a good deal of dirt will be removed and the lighter colors throughout will respond very well. As one would expect, the darker and more shadowed areas will show some thinness that will require restoration. There is a fairly large restoration in the sky above the dark tree on the left side of the cliff which deals with a structural damage; this measures about 6 by 4 inches. There are a few restorations visible under ultraviolet light, but the bulk of the restoration in the darker colors will be beneath an older varnish.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The subject is taken from Genesis 38:20, which states: 'And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive [his] pledge from the woman's hand; but he found her not.' This is a rarely illustrated Old Testament subject, and is taken from the story of Judah and Tamar. It tells the story of Hira the Adullamite, a closely regarded servant to Judah, who returns to Judah's camp with the child that Judah promises to Tamar, his daughter-in-law.

Two variants of the present work are known, they include a picture in Dresden after a lost preparatory drawing, as well as another copy (Private Collection) which both show the same composition, though with Hira removing his hat, and with the kid under his arm.