Thierry Bellange

Sale, New York, Sotheby's, 6 January 1996, lot 41, purchased by Dr. & Dr. Koprowski

Secured in place at the sheets corners. There is some buckling to the sheet as one would expect from vellum. There is some slight discolouration to the four edges of the sheet and some minor light brown stains to the four edges of the sheet. There is some slight rubbing to the medium in places, however the image remains strong.
"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 exceptionally rare example of Bellange's draughtmanship is a dramatic departure for the artist from the group of historical portraits, some of which are in the collection of the Louvre,¹ for which he is best known. The artist's delicate, almost miniaturist, handling of the chalk in the present work creates a high level of finish and detail, whilst the highly appealing subject matter readily demonstrates Bellange's ability to move away from the formality of portraiture, into the realm of nature, albeit within a religious context.

1.  Paris, Musée du Louvre, inv. nos. 23711, 23711.BIS and 23714.A-E