François Boucher

Sold in an elaborate wooden carved and gilded frame. Partially laid down. The drawing is rubbed, which has resulted in some losses to the surface of the ink, and a slight flatness. A small brown spot in the upper left corner, and some very slight light brown small spots to the right of the centre of the sheet.
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.
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Although this subject was drawn by Boucher on a number of occasions, none of the studies appears to be preparatory for a painting or print.  An elaborate Diana and Callisto in black chalk was sold in London, Christie's, 8 December 1976, lot 110 and another, executed in a similar technique to the present drawing, was previously in the Veil-Picard collection and sold in Paris, Artcurial, 19 December 2006, lot 11. 

The delicate, and highly distinctive combination of brown pen and wash over a paper washed pink was used by Boucher in a small group of drawings which date from the 1740s to the mid 1760s.  See, for example, the Young Garden Girl, of circa 1760-5 in the Musée du Petit Palais, Paris, or the Nativity of circa 1761/62.¹

We are very grateful to Alastair Laing for confirming the attribution, after having seen the drawing in the original.  He noted, however that certain areas of the sheet may have been retouched by a later hand.

1. A. Laing, The Drawings of François Boucher, New York 2003, exhibition catalogue, respectively cat. nos. 49 and 80