Hubert Robert

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, November 11, 1955, lot 131 (as Robert) for 58 Guineas to Hughes;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, May 17, 1956, lot 96 (as Robert), for 110 Guineas to Wengraf;
With Galerie Alexandre Popoff, Paris;
From whom acquired by Maître Michard-Pellissier in 1958 (as Pierre-Antoine Demachy).

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has not been restored for a number of years and although it seems to be in healthy condition, it will respond well to restoration. The canvas has a very old glue lining which is fairly well supporting the surface, although the cracking in the sky is quite visible. There are discolored old retouches visible in the upper sky but no visible abrasion or damage is apparent. This picture will respond well to cleaning and also retouching where necessary.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This work will be included in the forthcoming critical catalogue of the paintings of Hubert Robert being prepared by The Wildenstein Institute.  It is stylistically similar to a group of works, datable to the first years of the artist's sojourn in Rome, circa 1755-56.¹ Other capricci by Robert that are stylistically comparable are in the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome² and the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison, Wisconsin.

 

1  See P. de Nolhac, "Les premières oeuvres romains d'Hubert Robert," in Renaissance de l'Art Français et des Industries de Luxe, January 1923, pp. 27-33; H. Voss, "Opere giovanili di Hubert Robert in gallerie italiane," in Dedalo, vol. VIII, 1928, pp. 743-751; and J. de Cayeux, Hubert Robert, Paris 1989, p. 40.
2  L. Salerno, I pittori di vedute in Italia, Rome 1991, p. 171, reproduced fig. 48.4.