French School circa 1760

Jacques Fischer, Paris, from whom purchased, 9 July 1976

A fold in the middle and five tiny brown stains towards the left and right edges. Some foxing and a few creases and tiny tears on the lower and right edge. Chalk still very fresh.
"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."

This large red chalk drawing of a model dressed as a bishop was probably made by a pensionnaire of the French Academy in Rome.  Natoire describes this practice in a letter of 18 October 1758:  'J'ai fait revivre un usage d'étude qui se faisait de mon temp sà l'Académie, dans le temps des vacances, où nous dessinions d'après le modèle des figures toutes drapées variées dans toutes des genres et les différents habits, surtout des habits d'église qui occasionnent de fort beaux plis'.  Some such studies by Fragonard are known, for example, The Study of a Bishop, from a model, dated to 1760-61 and now in the Nationalmuseum, Stockolm.¹

1. See J.-P.Cuzin, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Fribourg 1987, p. 44, reproduced fig. 50.