- 236
Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Jean-Honoré Fragonard
- Night and Day
- a pair, both oil on canvas, oval
Provenance
M. Billy- Fenaille, Paris;
His Succession sale, Paris, Drouot, Rheims and Quoniam, 23 June 1959, for 850,000 francs;
Probably acquired there or shortly thereafter by the father of the present owner.
His Succession sale, Paris, Drouot, Rheims and Quoniam, 23 June 1959, for 850,000 francs;
Probably acquired there or shortly thereafter by the father of the present owner.
Literature
J-P. Cuzin, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Paris 1987, p. 307, cat. nos. 247 and 248.
Condition
The canvases have old relinings which are still effective and have not adversely affected the paint surfaces which are a little dirty but appear to the naked eye to to be in good condition under their slightly discoloured varnishes. Inspection under UV light reveals minor strengthenings and confirms the good condition. Offered in later elaborate carved and gilt wooden frames in good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
These subjects are most probably preliminary studies for the larger (98 by 76 cm.) pair of canvases of 1770-72, formerly in the Kraemer collection in Paris and now in a private collection. The catalogue of the 1959 Billy-Fenaille sale records that both paintings were on canvas laid on panel though this may have been removed by later restoration. Another pair of ovals depicting the same subjects, unpublished and of similar dimensions, were sold Stockholm, Auktionsverk, 29 November 2006, lots 2501 and 2502.1
1. J-P. Cuzin, 'Fragonard en el año 2006', in the catalogue of the exhibition, Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806). Orígenes e influencias. De Rembrandt al siglo XXI, Caixaforum, Barcelona, November 2006 - February 2007, pp. 13-15, n.3.