Antoine-Louis Barye

This painting has been lined. There is wide craquellure across the whole painting, although the surface is very stable. Under UV, there is evidence of restoration and over-painting in three vertical lines, one at the far left and two diagonal lines at the far right, with a star-shaped pattern joining them in the bottom right, likely to address former creases. Spots of inpainting also fluoresce in the background, around her mouth, and in her hand.
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.

Best known for his animalier bronzes and watercolors of lions and tigers, in the present oil Bayre paints a domestic feline cradled in the arms of his daughter Clara.  A human subject is rare in the artist's oeuvre and this portrait is particularly poignant as it was painted after Clara's death at age thirteen.