Jacques-François-Joseph Swebach, dit Desfontaines

Christian Humann;
His sale, Sotheby's, New York, 25 March 1982, lot 72 (as 'Jean-Louis Demarne'); 
Anonymous sale ('Property of a Foundation'), Sotheby's, New York, 2 April 1996, lot 29.

Panel cradled. A hairline crack is just barely visible upper right side of panel by tree branches and another at mid-right in top of tent. Overall picture presents a charming image and picture may be hung as is. U.V. reveals a horizontal line of retouching to repair aforementioned split, another horizontal line of retouching that runs from extreme upper right edge of panel over the top of the trees to (almost) center of composition, which also looks like a repair to an old split, and a vertical line of retouching far left in sky. U.V. also reveals some tiny scattered retouches in blue sky (between clouds) upper left, in soldiers' costumes, the tents, the wood structures and a few small areas of retouching in the foreground, and minor retouches scattered elsewhere. There are thinnesses in darks in lower right and left corners but these have been addressed. These have all been applied well. In a carved gilt wood frame with minor abrasion and nicks to gilding.
"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."