Henri-Pierre Danloux

Unfinished

Albert Lehmann, according to a label, verso;
Camille Groult (1832–1908), Paris;
The Groult Collection sale, Paris, Carpenetier, 21 March 1952, lot 76; 
Victor Frederick William Cavendish-Bentinck, 9th Duke of Portland (1897–1990);
Thence by descent to the present owners.

Paris, Musée du Jeu de Paume, Exposition de cent portraits de femmes des Ecoles Anglaise et Française du XVIIIe Siècle, 23 April – 1 July 1909, no. 54.

The painting is in generally very good condition, with no extant damages or loss of paint. The canvas has been lined and the surface is a little bit flat. It is thinly painted, especially in the background and the hat where the artist has left the work unfinished. There is visible retouching to a horizontal line running across the canvas 2 ½ in. from the top, as well as in the upper corners of the canvas. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the retouching mentioned above and reveals some further old strengthening in the lower two corners – all of which are very old and hardly fluoresce at all. The painting is held in a wood and moulded plaster gilt British Baroque style frame.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."