George de Forest Brush 1855-1941

Purchased with funds provided by the Houston Friends of the Arts

SURFACE: in fairly good condiiton; laying down of canvas on panel has compressed surface, although there is still generally good pigment retention--however, canvas weave shows through in several areas--scattered in lower areas on boy's chest, on his ears, chin and his left eye and forehead; a thin vertical crack goes through work (probably comes from the panel below), about 2 1/2 in. from left edge--looks like restoration was attempted here UNDER ULTRA VIOLET: scattered inpainting--at upper and lower right corners; along left side of boy's face, in his hair and on his chest; as mentioned above, inpainting along the vertical crack at left; signature is in bright red, but appears to be under dirt and varnish
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.

Gerome Brush (1888-1954), who grew-up to become an accomplished portraitist, was the son of George de Forest Brush.  He was named after Jean Leon Gerome, with whom the latter studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris.  Gerome's early art studies were with Abbott Handerson Thayer .  He studied art for many years in Italy and throughout Europe.  Although he never achieved the success of his father, he did garner recognition for his portraits, murals and sculptures.   During World War I, he invented a system of camouflage to protect ships that was used extensively.