Nicolas Lancret

J. Day-Solvay;
sale, Paris, Tajan, 24 March 2003, lot 30;
sale, London, Christie's, 6 July 2004, lot 123

Paris, Galerie Cailleux, Watteau et sa génération, 1968, no. 100

Unframed. Window mounted. The red chalk is rather stronger than the image in the catalogue illustration and the paper tone is warmer and less yellow. Some surface dirt and some traces of foxing, which are now not visible. The drawing must at some point have been slightly cleaned, but the strength of the red chalk is retained. Generally in good 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."

This charming, freely drawn study must have been made from life and is characteristic of Lancret's handling and figure type.  A slightly more worked-up study of a woman in the same position appears in a drawing in the Louvre, together with a kneeling man seen from behind.¹  In the Louvre exhibition catalogue, the figure of a woman is related to La Ronde autour du Mai.²  A similar figure also appears to the right of a lost painting, Le Feu, known from a print by Benoit Audran.³  As Lancret made many figure studies which he then used when necessary in his paintings, it is difficult to be categorical in associating the studies. 

1. Dessins français du XVIIIe siècle de Watteau à Lemoyne, exhib. cat., Paris, Musée du Louvre, 1987, p. 106, no. 141
2. G. Wildenstein, Lancret, Paris 1924, p. 80, no. 139, fig. 43
3. Illustrated in Christie's 2004 catalogue, see Provenance