Charles Michel-Ange Challe

Laid down and window mounted, with the mount covering the margins of the drawing, where it has been stuck down. Light scattered foxing, more visible in the upper right corner. The sheet has been made up in several places. The lower left corner is missing and the sheet that the drawing has been laid down on is visible and has been colored in to match the original sheet. There are other smaller areas where the sheet has holes/tears and the support paper has been filled in to conceal the holes. The made up areas are more concentrated at the lower margin. The medium however remains fresh and vibrant and the overall image still powerful. Sold in an elaborate wooden and carved and gilded, hand painted 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.

Charles Michel-Ange Challe won the coveted Prix de Rome in 1741 and in November 1742 arrived in the Eternal City to commence his sojourn at the French Academy.  The present architectural fantasy is an example of his work in his most creative and innovative period when he and his contemporaries were heavily influenced by Giovanni Battista Piranesi.

Challe was working in Rome during a period of artistic change where there was a desire to break from old traditions and form a new style.  This change first manifested itself in architecture before moving to painting.  The majority of French artists working at the Rome Academy during this time began to take an interest in festival design and the devising of architectural fantasies.  Piranesi's dramatic vision of the classical momuments of the city were emerging through his etchings, which undoubtedly provided a strong stimulus for the students at the Academy.  The printing presses where Piranesi's etchings were produced were located opposite Palazzo Mancini, the home of the French Academy, providing yet another important link for the students.

Challe returned to Paris in 1749 and was appointed Professor of Perspective at the Académie Royale in 1758.