Lady Laura-Thérésa Alma-Tadema

Henry Gurdon Marquand, New York;
American Art Association, 23 January 1903, lot 46

STRUCTURE The panel is flat. There are horizontal lines of cracking throughout and areas of craquelure, particularly to the pillow, the girls embroidery, skirt and face, also to the book. There is also an area in the lower left of the picture where the paint surface has blistered. We would recommend that the advice of a professional restorer is sought regarding the lessening of the condition problems of this picture. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals a thick layer of opaque and uneven varnish which makes prevents an accurate reading. FRAME This picture is contained in a moulded Victorian style frame in fair condition.
"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."

Laura Alma-Tadema, like her husband Lawrence, was much influenced by the interiors of their most famous countryman Vermeer and this is evident in In Good Hands. It was owned by the American connoisseur Henry G. Marquand (1819-1902), founder and Director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and among Lawrence Alma-Tadema's most loyal patrons. In 1884 Marquand commissioned Lawrence to decorate the Music Salon at his new home on Madison Avenue as a focal point for New York Society. He imposed no strict budget and the mansion was sumptuously decorated. The present picture was one of the pictures bought by Marquand for his home rather than for the museum and has a delightful intimacy.