Circle of Jean Siméon Berthélemy

Anonymous sale, Paris, Tajan, 16 December 1996, lot 137;
There purchased by M. Ghislain Prouvost, Château du Vert Bois;
His sale, Paris, 9 December 2005, lot 140;
There acquired by the present owner. 

Oil on canvas, with an old, sympathetic lining. There is a stable web of craquelure over the entire picture surface. There is an s-shaped scratch around Venus' proper right foot and a small scratch in the armor towards lower center. Under UV light, there are some lines of retouching to address the previously mentioned craquelure, especially in Venus' robes. There have been previous losses in the male figure, especially his upper forehead; around his chin and shoulders; and through his torso. Additional losses are present in the background between the two figures and in the pillow on which Venus leans. The majority of these larger losses appear in the upper right quadrant of the piece, thought there are smaller scattered spots of retouched loss scattered in Venus' proper right elbow; proper right chest; and her proper left forearm.
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.