Lot Essay
A preparatory study for a painting of the same subject formerly with Rafael Valls, London (in 2001), which was signed and dated 1708 and was commissioned by van Mieris's patron Pieter de la Court van der Voort (1664-1739) (see C.W. Fock, 'Willem van Mieris en zijn maecenas Pieter de la Court van der Voort', Leids Kunsthistorisch Jaarboek, II, 1984, p. 274).