An earlier version of the painting probably also exists. In 1871, Jerichau Baumann exhibited a version along with a number of other paintings of children at The Royal Danish Galleries in New Bond Street, London. In this connection, the Art Journal wrote: “La pensierosa, the girl with the tambourine and with Italian characteristics [...] is the true triumph of painting.” (quoted from Jerzy Miskowiak, “Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann. Nationalromantikkens enfant terrible”, Frydenlund, 2018, p. 266). This painting was also exhibited at Charlottenborg 1874 no. 119.

Literature: Jerzy Miskowiak, “Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann. Nationalromantikkens enfant terrible”, Frydenlund, 2018, ill. p. 266. Jerzy Miskowiak, “Elisabeth Jerichau-Baumann”, Bosz, Poland, 2020, ill. p. 133. The present painting, dated 1875, is depicted in both books, but here, the painting has been mistaken for the one exhibited in 1871.

Provenance: The artist's son, the painter Holger H. Jerichau (1861–1900), his auction 1885 no. 75. Bruun Rasmussen auction 109, 2007 no. 285. Bruun Rasmussen auction 776, 2007 no. 1197, ill. p. 77. Bruun Rasmussen auction 893, 2020 no. 88, ill. p. 93.