After Antoine Pesne

The painting is slightly more yellow than in the catalogue reproduction. The canvas is in good condition, with no mould or dirt on the back. It is slightly loose on the stretcher because it is unlined. The paint layer still has a very thick impasto in places and the paint strokes can be clearly seen and enjoyed. There is some thick cracking in the paint in the sitter's hair and on the robe across his shoulder, as well as some small lost flakes of paint on the fur in the lower left part of the canvas. There is a lovely subtle change of tone across the garments and in the skin, and a reeness in the brush strokes. Inspection under ultraviolet light shows some old retouching in the sitter's hair, but otherwise the work is untouched. This lot is sold in a rather grand moulded decorative frame, in good condition if a little dirty. There is one small loss in the moulding in the upper left side.
"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."

This is a copy of a portrait of King Friedrich II of Prussia, known as Friedrich the Great, painted in 1739 by Antoine Pesne in the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin (inv. no. 1529).¹ 

1. See H. Bock (ed.), Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Gesamtverzeichnis der Gemälde, London 1986, p. 60, cat. no. 489, reproduced p. 524, fig. 1529