François de Troy

In the Cailleux collection by 1960;
In the collection of Paul-Louis Weiller (1893–1993), Paris, by 1971 and Switzerland, by 1997;
His sale, Paris, Gros & Delettrez, 5 April 2011, lot 28, where acquired by the present owner.

Paris, Galerie Charpentier, Deux Siècles d'Elegance, 1951;
Rennes, Musée des Arts, Jacques Blanchard, 6 March - 8 June 1998

J. Cailleux, "The 'Lecture' de Molière by François de Troy and its date", in The Burlington Magazine, vol. CII, February 1960, Supplement, reproduced fig. 3 (where listed as in 'Cailleux Collection, Paris');
J. Cailleux, "Some Family and Group Portraits by François de Troy (1645-1730)", in The Burlington Magazine, vol. CXIII, April 1971, Supplement, reproduced fig. 1 (where listed as in a 'Private Collection, Paris');
D. Brême, François de Troy, Paris 1997, pp. 180-1, cat. no. 60, (where listed as in a 'Private Swiss Collection').

The painting is lighter in tone and richer in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The signed and dated canvas has been lined and the paint surface appears to be in good condition to the naked eye. There is apparent damage or loss of paint however there appears to be a discoloured varnish overall and there is a spidery craquelure concentrated on the righ both in keeping with the picture's age. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a very minor area of old restored damage in the left arm of the attendant, as well as minor retouching to the canvas edges upper right, lower right and upper left. There are also some scattered minor areas of minor retouching, most notably in the folds of the yellow dress. Otherwise the picture appears to be in good overall condition. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and plaster 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."