Nicolas de Largillière

Private collection, Germany;
By whom lent to the Hessischen Museum, Darmstadt between 1970-1988;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 6 July 1988, lot 63, for £28,000, where purchased by the present owner.

G. Adriani, "Ein Bildnis von Nicolas Largillière", in Kunst in Hessen und am Mittelrhein, Schriften der Hessischen Museen, vol. X, 1970, pp. 78-81, reproduced plate 1.

The canvas has an old relining which is still sound. The paint surface is a little pressed by the lining but otherwise in good overall condition, with no sign of major damages or wear. There are some minor scattered recent losses in the centre of the picture, just to the left of the sitter's neck, the largest some 50mm square. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals retouching to much of the periwig, especially to its outline, to the neck and top of the breastplate, and to scattered minor losses and spot retouchings around the margins, notably to the left and top edge. The background has also been strengthened in the past. The varnish layer is still clear but a little dulled. This lot is sold with a Louis XIV carved amd gilt wood frame in good condition. RCJ
"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."

Though the sitter is unknown, the date of execution can be inferred from a version of this painting sold in Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 27 June 1987, lot 199, as "Circle of Alexis-Simon Belle", despite being inscribed and dated on the reverse: Peint par N. de Largillierre 1692.

We are grateful to M. Dominique Brême for endorsing the attribution to Largillière following first-hand inspection of the painting.