Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer

Owen collection, Paris (according to a label on the reverse);
With Richard Green, London;
From whom purchased by the present owner in 1992.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. Both of these pictures have been restored in the same way. They have English glue linings, which are stabilizing the paint layers. There is still good texture to both pictures. It is fair to say that although the brighter colors in the still lifes are well preserved and very lively, the backgrounds of both pictures are quite noticeably abraded. Although there are some noticeably discolored retouches added in both cases, the thinness is still quite evident. Given the lively paint layer in the still lifes themselves, if the backgrounds were restored more concisely, the pictures would be considerably more impressive.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."