Jean-Victor Bertin

With Galerie Charles Brunner, Paris, no. 7130.

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 been fairly recently restored. The canvas has an old glue lining. The paint layer is stable and has been cleaned, varnished and retouched. The retouches are visible under ultraviolet light in the darkest colors in the lower left, in a few spots in the upper sky on the left, in the center sky on the right and in one spot in the large tree on the right. In general the condition is fresh and the picture should 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.

Initially trained under the history painter Gabriel-François Doyen, Bertin had become, by 1788, a pupil of Valenciennes who encouraged him to paint idealised Italianate landscapes in the tradition of Poussin. He travelled to Italy from 1806 to 1808, working on his style and developing great interest in topographical details as well as atmospheric effects. The present painting reflects the way Bertin interpreted the treatment of architecture and use of light acquired from Valenciennes.