Lot 89
  • 89

Jean François Millet

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Jean François Millet
  • a reclining female nude
  • Charcoal and stumping

Provenance

Artist's studio stamp (L.1460);
Alfred Sensier, Paris;
Charles Tillot, Paris,
his sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 14 May 1887, lot 40,
Ernest Donop de Monchy, Paris, by 1900, his exhibition labels on reverse of frame

Exhibited

Paris, Exposition Universelle, Exposition Centennale de l'art Français (1800-1899), 1900, no. 1190

Condition

Framed. Laid down on a form of tracing paper which is hinged to mount with sellotape. The paper is slightly yellowed, and there is some slight foxing - noticeable in the upper right corner and also two very small spots on the woman's hip. The charcoal is still fresh and overall the drawing makes a strong impression.
"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."

Catalogue Note

We are most grateful to Alexandra Murphy for confirming the attribution to Millet and for her help in the cataloguing of this drawing.  Ms Murphy writes that the subject is particularly rare for Millet, and that this 'is one of the most beautiful drawings of the nude that Millet made, as well as one of the most sensuous images of mid-nineteenth century French art'.