Follower of Antoine Watteau

Laid down on a board. At the edges strips of paper top bottom right and left appear to have been added at a later stage. Top and bottom is about 1.5 cm (less on the side). Little surface dirt, possibly on grey area but overall condition appears to be quite good. Little losses of pigment, especially on the dark areas. It is sold in a an old French wooden and gilded 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.
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.

This very amusing subject is related to the print after Watteau, engraved either by C. Vanloo or Nicolas Vleughels in Figures de différents caractères, no. 100.¹

A drawing formerly in the E. Pontremoli collection, Paris, known only from an old photograph, is in reverse to the print, but is considered by Rosenberg and Prat to be a copy.²  In their entry for that drawing, they mention the existence of a painting of this same subject, in the same direction as the print, which was sold as Circle of Gillot at Divonne-les-Bains.³

1. P. Rosenberg and L.-A. Prat, Antoine Watteau, catalogue raisonné des dessins, Milan 1996, vol.III, p. 1380, no. G.39, reproduced
2. Ibidem, p. 1300, no R. 565, reproduced
3. Ibidem, under no R. 565; July-August 1992, lot 30, reproduced