Jean-Baptiste Mallet

Mrs Jesse Isidor Straus (née Irma S. Nathan), New York,
by whose Estate sold, New York, Parke-Bernet Galleries, 21 October 1970, lot 47,
where acquired by the present owner

Both are laid down on card. The Visit: Overall in good condition. Colors are strong and vibrant. Small repaired tear at the right margin in the center. Les Confidences: Overall in good condition. Colors are strong and vibrant. A small circular abrasion at the upper margin towards the left corner Some minor losses to medium in the upper right corner. Both sold in carved and gilded frames.
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.

Mallet, who exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1791 to 1824, carried the thriving 18th-century tradition of gouache painting through well into the 19th century, and was his generation's leading exponent of depictions in this medium of elegant interiors with social - often amorous - encounters.  For an up to date summary of his career, see Margaret Morgan Grasselli, Renaissance to Revolution, French Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, 1500-1800, exh. cat., Washington, National Gallery of Art, 2009-10, p. 268.