François Boucher Paris 1703 - 1770

Françoise Joulie, et al., Esquisses, pastels et dessins de François Boucher dans les collections privées, exhibition catalogue, Versailles, Musée Lambinet, 2004, p. 92, reproduced fig.1

Sold in a wooden/gilded frame, not seen out of frame. The lower edge is slightly unevely cut. The upper edge is also perhaps cut very slightly, although in neither case does this affect the drawing itself. Two small areas in the lower right corner where the paper is lighter, a small dark spot on the woman's upper thigh, Any spots appearing in the catalogue illustration are due to the rough, textured paper. Otherwise the condition appera to be very good: the chalk is still strong.
"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."

The attribution was confirmed by Alastair Laing who suggested a date circa 1740, or later.  More recently, in her Boucher exhibition catalogue, Mme. Joulie has noted that the model for many of Boucher's female nudes may have been his wife (see Literature, loc. cit.).