This painting was sold at the Commonwealth Sales to Major Edward Bass, who led one of the syndicates of civil servants owed money by the Crown. The composition, with two grotesque figures counting money, was popular in the sixteenth century. The men are probably tax collectors and the exchange rates inscribed in the ledger enable this version to be precisely dated.

Probably acquired by Anne of Denmark, sold to Major Edward Bass, 1 March 1653, returned to the Crown at the Restoration.

Cat. 125