That is always difficult [making a repetition of an sold painting] and can only become a potboiler. (translation from the original Dutch: Fons Heijnsbroek)

In a letter, 13 Dec. 1876, to art-sellers Pilgeram & Lefèvre in London; Foundation Custodia, Paris,input no. 1971-A.506 | Israëls was asked to make a duplicate of his painting 'Karig Maal The Frugal Meat', but refused it and proposed a painting with the same subject, a shoemaker figure, but now sitting at a cradle with his wife cutting bread in the background