Ignace-Henri-Jean-Théodore Fantin Latour

Hôtel Drouot, Vente Louis Baudoin, Paris, 8 mai  1913, lot 31
F&J Tempelaere, Paris, aqcuis à la vente ci dessus;
Albert Motte

Madame Fantin-Latour, catalogue de l'oeuvre complet de Fantin-Latour, Paris, 1911, p.164, n°1543.

Original canvas. There are scattered areas of retouching visible under ultraviolet light, notably in the background between the Venus and Cupid, partially obscured by a heavy, even varnish. Apart from scattered areas of craquelure, stretcher marks to the edges of the canvas and some flattening of the impasto, this work is in good condition, with rich colours and tones. Held in a decorative, muted gold-painted moulded plaster and wood frame.
"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."

Durant sa formation, Fantin-Latour étudia les maîtres anciens. Il était particulièrement attiré par les oeuvres de Titien et de Véronèse vues au Louvre. Le sujet de ce tableau est dans la lignée des leçons de ces maîtres vénitiens: un sujet mythologique permettant de montrer un corps nu et le traitement en sfumato rappelant celui de Titien.