Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

Charles-François Daubigny, Auvers-sur-Oise
Bernheim, Brussels
Rothschild and Sedelmeyer Bernheim, Brussels, March, 1884
P.C. Hanford (and sold, American Art Association, New York, January 30, 1902, lot 32)
William A. Coolidge, Topsfield, Massachusetts 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (gifted from the above's estate) 
Sale: Christie's, New York, May 6, 1998, lot 116, illustrated
Galerie Michael, Beverly Hills
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 1998

Alfred Robaut, L'Oeuvre de Corot: catalogue raisonné et illustré, Paris, 1965, vol. III, p. 152, no. 1648, illustrated p. 153
Corot, 1796-1875, exh., cat., Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais, Paris, National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, February 28, 1996-January 19, 1997, p. 305

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This work is clean and has been well treated. It should be hung in its current state. The artist used a very dry and sketchy technique here, and the grainy canvas is intentionally visible throughout the work. Under ultraviolet light, remnants of old varnish can be seen around the figure, in the lower left and probably in the darker colors in the center of the right side. Although some pigment itself reads strongly under ultraviolet light, the only retouches seem to be in the center of the top edge. The condition is very good.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Corot and Charles François Daubigny first met in 1849, establishing a close bond and friendship that would last until the end of their lives.  United by a shared love of landscape painting, each man — in his own way — provided the inspiration for the next generation of French artists.  In June 1862, on Corot’s recommendation, Daubigny purchased property at Auvers-sur-Oise.  Called the Villa des Vallés, Corot executed five paintings to decorate the vestibule of Daubigny’s new home.  The present work formed part of this series.