Jean-François de Troy

Peint probablement en 1736 avec les six autres esquisses de l'Histoire d'Esther pour être présenté à la direction des Bâtiments du roi ;
Peut-être dans un lot d'esquisses de l'artiste à la vente Watelet à Paris, le 12 juin 1786, n°33 ;
Paris, collection François Marcille (six esquisses, manque celle du Triomphe de Mardochée) ;
Paris, vente Marcille, Hôtel Drouot, 12-13 janvier 1857, n°36 ;
Asnières, collection de Mme Chavanne de Palmassy ( ?) ;
Acquis par Mr Humbert de Wendel à la galerie Cailleux, Paris, en 1928
Resté depuis chez les descendants

Paris, 1928 : Exposition des esquisses par J.-F. de Troy pour l'Histoire d'Esther et d'un choix de portraits par N. Dupont, galerie Cailleux (n°3)
Paris, 1934 : Esquisses, maquettes, projets et ébauches de l'Ecole française du XVIIIe siècle, galerie Cailleux, (n°19)  

Correspondance, t. IX, 9 août 1738, pp. 349-350 ;
Extrait..., éd. 1854, t. II, p. 277 ;
G. Briere, « Detroy, 1679-1752 », dans Dimier, Louis : Les peintres français du XVIIIe siècle, Paris-Bruxelles, 1930, t. II, pp. 18 et 34, n°14 ;
Ch. Leribault, Jean-François de Troy (1679-1752), Paris, Arthena, 2002, pp. 350-351, (P. 249);
Le Théatre des passions (1697-1759) Cléopatre, Medée, Iphigenie, Nantes, Musée des Beaux Arts, p. 138, cité sous le n34, note 1

The painting is in overall very good condition. It has been properly relined during the first part of the 20th century. The painting is under uniform thick and very dirty varnish. It's paintely and the glazes are still very effective. There are two small spots of restoration in the sky at the right hand of the clouds. Under UV lamp: The painting is under a green thick and uniform varnish. We can see the two small restorations previously reported, visible to the naked eye.
"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."