French School, 19th Century

Relined and under an uneven old varnish. there is a horizontal canvas seam or crease, visible to naked eye, that runs across the painting above the heads of the seated figures. the paint surface is generally well preserved and there is very good detail and strong coloration throughout. ultraviolet light reveals retouching along right and left sides; retouching on Baron's forehead, some on baby's body and face; a few others scattered here and there on figures, in upper background, in foreground and at lower left corner. these are mostly cosmetic retouchings and for a painting this size, there is not an undue amount of restoration. In a carved and gilt wood frame with some losses and chips.
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.

The present work is inscribed at lower right with a key identifying not only the sitters in the portrait, but also the ancestors and family friends depicted in the portraits on the wall behind them. Also shown are the house and garden of the Château de Castille at Argilliers, which was largely added to by the Baron.  In the 20th Century, the house was bought and restored by Douglas Cooper, the collector and patron of the Cubists, whose works he hung in the castle.