Jean-Marc Nattier

Fort Collection;
Private Collection.

Paris, Hôtel Jean Charpentier, Exposition de pastels français du XVII^e e du XVIII^e siècle, 23 May to 26 June 1927, no. 89;
Paris, André Seligmann, Exposition du pastels français du XVII^e siècle à nos jours, 18 November to 9 December 1933, no. 38;
Paris, Galerie Gazette des Beaux-Arts, Le Siècle de Louis XV vu par les artistes, June 1934, no. 163;
Copenhagen, Palais de Charlottenburg, Exposition de l'art français au XVIII ^e siècle, 25 August to 6 October 1935, no. 282.

P. de Nolhac, Nattier peintre de la cour de Louis XV, Paris 1925, p.226;
E. Dacier and P. Ratouis de Limay, Pastels français des XVII^e e du XVIII^e siècles,   Paris and Brussels 1927, pp. 48 - 49, no.23, reproduced plate XVII;
G. Huard, "Nattier" in Les Peintres français du XVIII^e siècle, Paris and Brussels 1930, II, p. 128, no. 129;
P. Ratouis de Limay, Le Pastel en France au XVIII^ème siècle, Paris 1946, p. 24, reproduced plate. VIII, fig. 10;
P. Renard, Jean-Marc Nattier (1685 - 1766): Un artiste parisien à la cour de Louis XV, Saint-Rémy-en-L'Eau 1999, pp. 166 and 240, no. 14;
X. Salmon, "Un Pastelliste méconnu, Jean-Marc Nattier" in L'Objet d'Art,  no. 341, November 1999, pp. 34 and 41 (note 17), reproduced p. 40, fig. 11;
X. Salmon, Jean-Marc Nattier: 1685 - 1786, exhibition catalogue, Versaille 2000, p. 309;
N. Jeffares, Dictionary of Pastelles before 1800, London 2006, p. 388, reproduced.

In overall good condition. a soft horizontal fold across center of subject is noticeable but not too distracting. there is a possible water or damp stain along the extreme bottom edge of the image (the pastel is sealed under glass with old paper tape and it was therefore impossible to examine fully). a little rubbing can be seen along extreme upper edge probably due to a previous frame. In an elaborately carved and gilt wood 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.

Despite his mastery in the medium, Nattier seldom used pastel, which makes this sophisticated portrait, dated 1753, of particular interest and rarity.  In its early history it was thought to depict the French writer, critic, and playwright, Jean-François de La Harpe (1739 - 1803).  This hyposthesis, however, was rightfully rejected by Ratouis de Limay in 1946 who noted that at the time of the portrait's execution La Harpe would have been scarcely fourteen years of age.¹    

1.  E. Dacier and P. Ratouis de Limay, Pastels français des XVII^e et du XVIII^e siècles, Paris and Brussels 1927, pp. 48 - 49, no. 23, reproduced, plate XVII.