Jean Joseph Xavier Bidauld

Anonymous sale, Sotheby's, Monaco, 20 June 1987, lot 429;
There purchased by the present owner.

New York, Richard L. Feigen, A Century of Landscape Painting: England and France 1770-1870, 9 May - 28 June 1996, no. 23.

The canvas has been relined and is stable. The paint surface is secure and in good condition under a clear varnish. There is a line of repaint approximately a quarter of an inch wide running the length of the right hand and lower edges which is faintly visible to the naked eye. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals scattered retouching to the sky and one slightly larger area of inpainting in the upper right section, though the figures, architecture and animals remain in very good condition and appear almost completely untouched. The painting overall is well preserved and can be hung as is. It is 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.

Like many French landscape painters of his generation, Bidauld travelled to Italy and its countryside starting in 1785 to complete his artistic training.  His sojourn, which lasted five years, proved to be the defining experience of his career and the many plein air sketches and paintings he produced while there provided inspiration throughout the rest of his artistic career. Though he returned to Italy only once after his initial visit, he drew heavily upon his fond memories of the landscape and continued to paint Italianate subjects throughout his career. Dated 1830, this crisply executed view of a village was executed in Paris, but very clearly reflects Bidauld's Italianate inspirations, both in handling and composition.

This painting is to be included in Stéphane Rouvet's upcoming catalogue raisonné on the artist.