Follower of François Boucher

With French & Co., Inc., New York;
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby Parke Bernet, December 2, 1976, lot 71 (as School of Boucher).

A pair, both relined. Both paintings read very well overall and they may be hung in their present state. Allegory of Painting: There are a few small losses at extreme upper edge just right of center along the line of the frame, but these are not disturbing. A few pinprick dots of brownish varnish, as seen in catalogue illustration, are visible, but these are not disturbing and should be removed easily. Ultraviolet reveals some very small retouches and reinforcements here and there with a larger area of retouching along the top edge from left to right. Allegory of Sculpture: An old repaired compound tear in right-most star of halo and surrounding background, seen in catalogue illustration, is barely visible to the naked eye, but it is not at all disturbing. Ultraviolet reveals small retouches here and there, with some more extensive retouching in aforementioned area to and around star halo and along the painted border. All retouches to both paintings have been applied well and no further work is recommended. Each in a carved and giltwood frame with minor chips to gilding.
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.

According to labels on the verso, the present pair of paintings once served as over-doors, and mostly likely were originally part of a larger series.  Two other pairs presumably from the same series, allegories of music and astronomy, were sold New York, Sotheby Parke Bernet, December 2, 1976, lot 69.