Attributed to Pierre Gobert

The canvas appears to be unlined and is coming away from its stretcher on the reverse along the left edge, causing a slight warping of the surface in the upper and lower right hand corners. The paint surface has suffered somewhat and is a little thin and abraded in areas, particularly in the coat and background. There is a vertical cleavage running the length of the canvas approximately 4 inches from the right edge and another in the lower left corner curving from 4 inches above the lower edge to 12 inches from the left edge, both of which are clearly visible to the naked eye. There is a further cleavage to the lower right edge where the ground is separating from its support. There are losses along all four edge, some of which expose the canvas beneath. There is small puncture of approximately half an inch in the sky, 12 inches left of the boy's face. Inspection under UV reveals minor retouching to the face and hands and a slightly larger area of repaint on his legs. There is further retouching to neck of the larger dog and some strengthening to the architecture on the right side. The painting would benefit from the attention of a restorer. Offered in a carved 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.