- 45
Philippe de Champaigne
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description
- Philippe de Champaigne
- Portrait of a man, bust length
- oil on canvas, an oval
Provenance
Private collection, USA.
Condition
This lovely portrait has a stable wax relining. It is fixed to its stretcher with modern tacks but evidence of older nails can be seen along all the edge. The paint surface is clean and overall the portrait presents a clear image. There appears to be some older retouching in the background at right which have now discolored slightly.
A clear reading under UV is impeded somewhat by the varnish but there appears to be some strengthening to the shadows of the drapery and to the curls of the hair which were perhaps a little abraded. There is some minor retouching in the cheeks beneath the eye.
The painting requires no further work and is ready to hang in its present state.
Offered unframed.
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
This newly-rediscovered work exemplifies Philippe de Champaigne's portrait style. Sitters wearing very similar fine linen collars tied with tasseled hanging strings recur throughout the artist's oeuvre, including, for example, the signed and dated portrait of Jacques Lemercier, in the Musée de Versailles.1
The artist was one of the leading figures of the French Baroque and a founding member of the Académie de peinture et de sculpture. He was active at the French court and many of the leading figures of the day sat to him. Amongst his most celebrated works are his depictions of Cardinal Richelieu, a full-length signed example of which is in the National Gallery, London.
1. See B. Dorival, Philippe de Campaigne, Paris 1976, vol. II, p. 100, cat. no. 176, reproduced p. 432.