Jean-François de Troy

Sale, New York, Christie's, 10 January 1990, lot 173 (as Circle of Jean Restout);
With Galerie Heiner, London, 1990;
With Eric Turquin, Paris;
Acquired by the present collector in 1991.

C. Leribault, Jean-François de Troy, Paris 2002, p. 249, cat. no. P.83, reproduced.

The colours of the catalogue illustration are quite faithful to the picture, although the overall tone is slightly less brown in reality. The canvas has been recently relined and the painting has been recently restored, cleaned and revarnished. Restoration is not immediately visible to the naked eye but under ultra-violet light a large triangular-shaped repaired damage (8 x 10 cm.) is discernible in the background centre left. A further repaired tear is visible lower centre (8 x 3 cm.) running from St. Peter's right knee down to the bottom edge of the painting. Another area of restoration, probably strengthening to conceal some of the ground showing through on Peter's blue drapery, runs diagonally from Peter's right knee along his right shin (7 x 3 cm.). Further scattered strengthenings are visible on Peter's left hand, to parts of his drapery, to the chain lower centre and to isolated areas of the background centre right: these appear to be localised and are not serious. The head of Peter and much of the angel not only appear intact but they display De Troy's typically fluid and accomplished brushwork. The painting is in good condition overall, despite the two or three quite significant damages outlined above. The gilt wood and plaster frame is in good condition.
"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."

First identified by Pierre Rosenberg as the work of Jean-François de Troy, this painting was subsequently included in Christophe Leribault's seminal 2002 catalogue raisonné on the artist.