Franz Christoph Janneck

Georges Petit (1856–1920), Paris;
His sale, Amsterdam, Frederik Muller & Cie, Petit Sale, 19–20 June, 1913;
Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Lady'), London, Christie's, 5 July 1996, lot 30.

The large copper plate is flat and uncradled, the paint surface is stable with a clear and even varnish. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. On close inspection in raking light, a 1 inch diagonal old repaired scratch is visible in the tail feathers of the parrot in the centre top, and few tiny old restored losses through the foliage at the upper margin. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals very little, some old retouchings are focused on the aforementioned small losses and the scratch, and there are some newer sparing retouchings to the reclining female nude in the lower left corner, a 1cm squared patch of retouching in the centre of the lower margin, and a horizontal hairline retouching in the cloud measuring 1 inch starting on the left margin 4 inches from the top left corner. Otherwise there is very little visible restoration work and the picture seems to be in overall very good condition.
"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."

Showing the highly unusual mythological scene of Bacchus and Pomona, the present work was separated from its pendant, Bacchus and Ariadne, in the 1913 Petit sale. With its attention to detail, soft light and delicate handling, Bacchus and Pomona is a delightful example of the type of conversation piece which allowed Franz Christoph Janneck to become one of the greatest exponents of the Austrian rococo style.