Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer

Anonymous sale, Monaco, Sotheby's, 26 May 1980, lot 549, as Jean Baptiste Monnoyer, for FF80,000.

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. Both original canvases are lined and the paint layers are stable and flat. There are the remains of a dispersed discoloured varnish across both surfaces. The backgrounds to both paintings are pitted and abraded and the pale ground can be seen; both have been augmented. Some of the pigments have degraded, particularly the green of the leaves and delamination to the more thickly painted flowers, such as the carnations, has occurred leading to further restoration in these areas. The paint to the stone ledges has been compromised. Many of the flowers are in a well preserved condition and much of the paint texture is original. Offered in gilt wood frames with some losses."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

We are grateful to Madame Claudia Salvi for confirming the attribution to Monnoyer on the basis of photographs.