Claude Gillot

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work has been restored and should be hung in its current state. The paint layer may be slightly dirty, but it certainly looks very well as is. There is no visible abrasion or weakness to the details of the figures and interior. There are broad restorations across the bottom edge of the foreground that could certainly be applied more accurately. Elsewhere, although the varnish is slightly opaque when viewed under ultraviolet light, it is doubtful that there are any other retouches of note.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

A rare surviving oil by Claude Gillot, this painting encompasses a common theme in his work, the popular theater, in particular the Italian Commedia dell'Arte.  Gillot's career was eclipsed by that of his most famous student, Jean-Antoine Watteau, who inherited his mentor's fascination with theatrical subjects.