- 112
Claude-Louis Desrais
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Claude-Louis Desrais
- A tightrope-walker crossing the Seine near the Concorde Bridge, watched from a floating grandstand by Napoleon and other dignitaries, on the Emperor's Birthday, 15 August 1807
- Pen and grey ink and grey and blue wash over black chalk;
inscribed in pen and brown ink: Vuë de la décoration du feu d'artifice, et de la loge de l'etat major prise entre le pont de la concorde et celui ci devant royal, moment ou Le Sieur Furioso, danse / sur une partie de la grande corde raide, la totalité n'ayant pu se tendre plus loing. - Réjouissance donnée Sur la rivière de Seine, a l'occasion de la paix / avec La russie et La prusse et de la fête anniversaire, du victorieux Empereur des français, napoleon 1er, protecteur de la Confédération du Rhin. -
Provenance
Sale, New York, Christie's, 24 January 2006, lot 115
Condition
Laid down on card and hinge mounted. The paper has discolored somewhat and there are areas of surface dirt throughout, particularly to the four edges. There is evidence of some light foxing in places as well as some minor staining, most notably to the woman standing in the central boat. Although some of the lighter washes have faded a little the medium is generally strong throughout.
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 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.
Catalogue Note
As the extensive inscription explains, the festivities on the Seine depicted in this lively and entertaining drawing were staged to mark the occasion of peace with Russia and Prussia and also to celebrate the Emperor Napoleon's Birthday.
Desrais was one of the most prolific designers of book illustrations in the late 18th Century.