- 118
French School second half of the 18th Century
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- a woman and her two children resting by a fountain, a cow to the right
red chalk
Provenance
Purchased, sale, London, Sotheby's, 23 March 1978, lot 59 (as Circle of Boucher)
Condition
Unframed. There are a few very small losses, near the left margin, the lower right corner and the upper right corner, all neatly restored. Also a small tear at the centre of the left edge, repaired. The sheet is a little browned, although as the chalk is quite densely hatched, this is only really visible at the margins. Some foxing, visible from the verso. The chalk is still strong, and overall the condition is reasonably good.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This drawing appears to be related to a painting formerly attributed to Boucher, and now given to Fragonard.1 The drawing, which is in reverse to the painting, and with minor differences, is otherwise very close in composition. It is possible that a counterproof has been taken from the drawing. Jean Massengale believed that this was the work of the young Fragonard, dating from the time of his training in Boucher's studio, but although it seems to have similarities both to the work of Boucher and Fragonard, the hand is perhaps more likely to be that of an engraver.
1. See J.C. Cuzin, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, vie et oeuvre, catalogue complet des peintures, Fribourg, 1987, p. 270, cat. no. 53 bis