- 192
Louis-Albert-Guislain Bacler d’Albe
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description
- Louis-Albert-Guislain Bacler d’Albe
- A pair of pastoral landscapes
- Both gouache, within green borders;
the first signed and dated, lower right: B,er.D'albe. 1817. the second, signed lower right: B,er.D'albe.
Condition
Both laid down on card. There are notable abrasions and some losses of gouache to the borders of both works. There are some small losses of gouache to the main images, however they are both in otherwise good condition throughout. Both sold in giltwood 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Although Bacler d'Albe had shown great potential as an artist from a young age, it was as a cartographer and one of Napoleon's closest strategic advisors from 1799 until 1814 that he would primarily make his name. Arguably Napoleon's most indispensable aide, Bacler D'Albe was responsible for overseeing all duties related to Napoleon's planning sessions. He was entrusted with the task of amending maps and maintaining the daily situation chart. "He led a dog's life; the Emperor's first and last command on every day spent on campaign was invariably 'send for d'Albe'".1
The present pair of gouaches, one of which is dated 1817, were both presumably executed after the fall of the Empire and Napoleon’s subsequent exile to Saint Helena in 1815. Unsurprisingly, the nature of Bacler d’Albe’s previous employment made him a persona non grata in France’s more high ranking social circles and, deprived of any public employment, he ventured into lithography, becoming one of the earliest exponents of the medium in 19th century France.
1. D.G. Chandler, The Campaigns of Napoleon, London 1967, p. 171