Attributed to Louis-Jean Desprez

With Seiferheld and Co., New York, before 1972

New York, New York Cultural Center, Collectors Anonymous; Four Private New York Collections, 1972

R. de La Coste-Messelière et al, Sous le signe de la coquille. Chemins de Saint-Jacques et pèlerins, Château-Thierry et sa région, exhib. cat., Château-Thierry, Musée Jean de La Fontaine, p. 8, no. 3

Laid down on paper. There is some slight discolouration to the sheet, most notably to the upper edge. There are two vertical crease marks where the two sheets have been joined . The border is in somewhat of a distressed state, with losses throughout, this however does not affect the main image at all. The medium is reasonably fresh throughout.
"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."

The river Marne, a tributary of the Seine, had, due to its proximity to Paris, for many years been a major thoroughfare for the transportation of goods in Northern France. However as the vessels navigating this waterway became ever larger, the need to modify some of the older bridges along the river to accommodate them became an ever increasing priority.
The present work depicts a notable example of this transition as the Pont de Château-Thierry is adapted by workman, following the plans of the celebrated architect and structural engineer, Jean-Rodolphe Perronet. After over twenty years of work, the bridge was finally completed in 1786.

Sold with an architectural drawing, depicting a cross section of work on the same bridge.
Pen and brown ink and wash, within black ink framing lines;
inscribed: VÜE DES TRAV AUX DU PONT DE CHATEAU THIERRI EN AOUST. 1769.
145 by 800 mm