Charles-Joseph Natoire

Sale, Paris, Tajan, 17 March 2004, lot 38

Hinged to the mount at the upper margin. The surface of the recto appears to have been washed with a light beige preparation. Around the right and lower margins there are several small tears and it appears that an old mount must have been attached to the margins which has been removed, provoking some abrasions at the edges. Around the margins there are some stains and general surface dirt, visible in the image in the catalogue. On the verso there are six pencil sketches which appear to be 19th century and in pencil an attribution to Lebrun. There is a grey mould on the verso which is on the lower part of the sheet. The red chalk is still strong, except for a few minor scratches on the surface.
"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."

This is after the sculpture of this subject by Gianfrancesco Susini (circa 1575-1653).  A cast of this group, signed and dated to 1626, is in the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen, Dresden.¹

1.Von Allen Seiten Schön, exhib. cat., Berlin, Staatliche Museen, 1995, p. 402, no. 130