Jules Breton

This painting is in original unlined condition, with very faint craquellure along the stretcher bars. Under UV, spots of inpainting fluoresce in the upper left and in the sky, along the bottom of the composition in small strokes, select letters of the signature appear to be strengthened, and fussy lines in and around the figure to address fine craquellure.
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.

In 1861, Breton and his wife Élodie moved to a new home in the center of Courrières, yet the artist retained his studio at his parent's brewery. While the present work may depict the garden of the couple's new home, Breton also painted a number of other intimate scenes of the plot next to the brewery with its fruit trees and cloches protecting tender plants. In these paintings, Breton's sensitive handling of color and light capture the feeling of a sunny day spent outdoors and his fondness for his childhood home.