- 243
François Boucher
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- François Boucher
- Design for a ceiling decoration with reclining draped figures and putti
- Red chalk;
signed, lower centre: boucher
Provenance
Sale, Munich, Karl & Faber, 24-26 November 1936, lot 1238
Condition
Laid down on paper and hinge mounted to the upper edge. There is evidence of surface dirt and some light foxing throughout. There is a brown/grey stain to the centre of the left edge and an abrasion to the sheet in the upper right quarter. The red chalk medium remains fresh and vibrant throughout this attractive sheet.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Though the present drawing cannot currently be connected to any known project by Boucher, its style and the form of the artist’s name (with a small ‘b’) indicate that it is an early work. A similar drawing is in the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest (Schönbrunner & Meder, vol. XII, no. 1333) and whilst the precise dating of these two works is uncertain, it is logical that given that they both appear to be sketches of, rather than for, figures in a ceiling, their compositions were likely taken from a ceiling or vault that Boucher saw during his time in Italy from 1728-31.
We are grateful to Alastair Laing for confirming the attribution to Boucher.
We are grateful to Alastair Laing for confirming the attribution to Boucher.