Pierre Etienne Remillieux

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 pair of paintings is in beautiful state. The panels on which they are painted are stable and the paint layers have been cleaned and varnished. There are hardly any retouches to either picture and we recommend they be hung as is.
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.

Pierre Etienne Remillieux studied art in the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Lyon from 1828. He was a pupil of Claude Bonnefond and Augustin Thierrat, and specialized in the painting of flowers. He first exhibited his paintings in the Salon in Lyon, then in Paris from 1841 to 1855. Only thirty works from the artist are known today. He demonstrated great precision and delicacy in his compositions, worthy of Pierre Joseph Redouté.

This little pair of birds consitutes a rare example in the work of Remillieux as he mostly executed still lifes and bouquets of flowers.  Using a subtle range of colours, he gives the birds great presence.