Circle of Jacques Fouquières

With the Alfred Brod Gallery, London.

The panel has been cradled and is stable. The paint surface is in good condition with no flaking, only some small damages to the edges which are visible when the work is out of its frame. These include a chip in the lower right corner, a surface scratch in the lower right corner and some knocks in the upper left corner and left edge. There is a long split in the wood half way down the panel, which has been stabilized by the cradling and overpainted. This has slightly discoloured, but does not distract from the overall loveliness of this work. There is an overpainted scratch in the lower left corner. Thick swirls of paint in the clouds have been wonderfully preserved, with the impasto intact. The figures enjoyig an afternoon in the park with their dogs are energetic and full of character, with a fantastic freshness and lightness in the detail. Inspection under Ultraviolet light reveals old retouching scattered inthe blue of the sky and along the upper edge. A circa 5 cm damage in the lower right hand corner, and much older retouching in the upper left corner. The faces and fgures have not had any work done. The picture is covered by an old varnish which appears milky unter UV light. This lot is sold in a simple wooden frame, in good condition, save for a little weakness in the joints, easily rectified.
"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."