Robert Jacques François Lefèvre

Charles C. Patterson, New York and Paris;
With L´Antiquaire & the Connoisseur, New York;
From whom purchased by the present owner.

The canvas is unlined with a few old repaired tears: a larger one to the right of the figures' faces; two smaller ones to the sky upper right; another smaller one to the left of the figures' faces; and two very small repaired punctures to the chin and to the shoulder of the left hand figure. The paint surface overall is well preserved, retouching visible under ultra violet is localized to those old damages with only very minor cosmetic retouching to the dress of the left hand figure, to the right hand figure's left hand and below the noses of both figures. Offered in a carved gilt wood frame, the painting presents are fresh and bright image and can be hung in its present state.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In private correspondence with the present owner, Alain Latreille suggested an attribution of this work to  Robert Jacques François Lefèvre.