Ecole Française vers 1770

Ancienne collection du Château de Villedar Toulouse

To the bare eye, the painting is in a moderately satisfactory state of conservation. It has been relined in a proper manner and the matter has not been flattened. It has been partially cleaned and a deeper cleaning is needed. There is a tear and a gap two centimetres wide in the Christ blue drapery in the middle. Under UV light, there are a few small and limited retouching on the blue drapery in the middle and on the head of the Apostle in the foreground on the left. Painting without 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. 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."

Le sujet de notre composition est tiré de l’Evangile de Jésus-Christ selon Saint Marc, chapitre 1, versets 21 à 28: Le jour du Sabbat, Jésus rencontra un homme à l’esprit impur qui l’interpella, Jésus répondit au démon « Tais-toi, et sors de cet homme. Et l'esprit impur sortit de cet homme, en l'agitant avec violence, et en poussant un grand cri. Tous furent saisis de stupéfaction, de sorte qu’ils se demandaient les uns aux autres : Qu'est-ce que ceci? Une nouvelle doctrine! ». Notre tableau illustre le moment ou le démon sort sous forme de fumée de la bouche du miraculé. Le démoniaque, au sol, enchaîné, s’arc-boute et pousse un cri. Le peintre arrive à rendre palpable la tension dans le corps du malheureux, mais surtout la surprise des personnes qui l’entourent. Une esquisse représentative du travail des artistes français de la seconde moitié du XVIIIème siècle.