Henri-Joseph Harpignies

Sale: Renaud, Paris, July 1, 1981, lot 154, illustrated
Sale: Maître Georges Blache, Hôtel Rameau, Versailles, October 4, 1981, lot 168, illustrated
Sold: Sotheby's, New York, February 24, 1987, lot 40, illustrated
Hyde Park Antiques, New York
Private Collection, Texas (acquired from the above)

Paris, Galerie Charpentier, Autour de 1900, 1950, no. 95bis (as Le Forum romain)

Painting reads as clean and bright. Under UV, inpainting is revealed throughout the sky, as well as spots in the ground in the foreground.
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.

Harpignies' parents hoped he would enter a business profession but by the age of twenty-eight he could no longer deny his passion for painting.  After two years of rigorous training in the atelier of landscape painter Jean Achard, Harpignies escaped to Italy.  The artist returned to Paris in 1850 most likely with the present plein air sketch executed during his travels to Rome.  Time spent in Italy also inspired his 1853 Paris Salon debut of a Vue de Capri.