Pierre Quesnel

François Desmarais (his collector's mark not in Lugt)
His sale, Paris, Hubert Le Blanc, Nouveau Drouot, 2 March 1984, lot 21
Richard Day, Ltd., London
Acquired from the above, 1984

Sheet heavily spotted on the verso showing through to some extent on the recto, paper surface somewhat dirty.
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.

Pierre Quesnel was the father of the famous François, as well as of two other painter sons. The family was of Scottish origin and Pierre, although born in France, worked at Holyrood for James V and married a Scot. He moved back to France after the birth of his second son. He presented a stained glass design for the Augustinian church in Paris in 1557, but otherwise little is known of his work. There seems no reason not to accept the attribution of this very charming and rather rare view.

Sées is a town in Normandy, west of Paris. It has a Gothic cathedral but the old bishop's palace may no longer exist as a later one was built by the tutor of Louis XVII when he became bishop.