 After spending time in an unknown collection, the painting (described as "depicting the New Testament") was auctioned off in 1718, again in Amsterdam.It was auctioned again in 1735 (described as "artfully and minutely painted"), and in the Ietswaart sale of 1749 (described as "as good as Eglon van der Neer").The mixed fortunes of Vermeer's reputation in the 18th century can be seen in the prices paid for the painting at these various auctions