Charles-Louis Clérisseau

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 15 June 1983, lot 89

Some losses of pigments especially to the left side at the level of the clouds, near the ruins, and more minor pigments losses on the clouds over the houses on the right side. A few other little losses scattered throughout the sheet . Surface dirt and rubbing along the edges. The drawing is sold mounted and framed in a modern, wooden and gilded frame.
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.

This veduta epitomises the very varied gouaches and drawings produced by Clérisseau, incorporating more or less exact renditions of ancient monuments, from which he made a good living throughout his life.  He had first started to satisfy his great curiosity for these monuments when, as a student, he began to copy from them, refining not only his antiquarian interests but also his mastery of architecture.  He continued to make these works in considerable numbers, to be sold to travellers, especially the English who sought to take home memories of their Grand Tour.  Clérisseau's drawings of this type do not change in style over the course of his career, and therefore cannot generally be dated, although it does seem that he was in Tivoli at least twice in the mid 1750s, in the company of Robert Adam.  The present gouache is most plausibly a later work based on sketches made at that time.  See also lot 45.