Follower of Georges Desmarées

The catalogue illustrations are representative for the actual paintings. All paintings are oil on canvas and unlined. In general, all paintings are in very good condition. In particular the highlights in the lace, in the white fur and in the jewellery in the women's portraits have been nicely preserved. Stretcher marks are slightly visible in all canvasses. None of the portraits have any major damages. In the portrait of Christina Anna of Saxony a tiny tear of approx. 1 cm. is visible to the upperleft. In the portrait of Elctor Friedrich Christian a small repaired and retouched damage is visible to centre right. In some of the portraits small spots of discoloured retouchings are visible in the background, and in the forehead and lower neckline. All paintings are covered with a clear layer of varnish and seem to be recently cleaned. Inspection under ultra violet light shows very tiny scattered retouchings, mainly in the fleshtones and in the backgrounds, and some minor strengthening in the garments, in all the paintings. Inspection under UV-light furthermore reveals a repaired damage in the right sleeve in the portrait of Friedrich Christian. Only the portraits of Elisabeth of Saxony and Clemens Wenceslaus reveal some more extensive retouching throughout., in particular in the faces, hair, the man's hand and coat. Offered in elaborately carved gilt wood frames, with a few paint losses, but otherwise, in good condition. The frames are period, after a design by François Cuvilliés the Elder (1695-1768) (MW)
"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 group of portraits depicts family members of Electress Maria Anna Sophie of Bavaria, née Princess of Saxony (1728-1797) and daughter of King August III of Poland (Elector of Saxony as Friedrich August II). Maria Anna was married to Elector Maximilian III Joseph of Bavaria (1727-1777) in 1747. The fact that the portraits are clearly meant as a group and show members of the House Wettin and the House of Wittelsbach allows the conclusion that presumably they were painted for Electress Maria Anna Sophie around 1760.