Jean-Baptiste Martin, dit Martin des batailles

To the naked eye: The painting appears in beautiful condition. It has been correctly relined, about fifty years ago. It has also been correctly cleaned preserving the glaces and the figures. Under U.V. light: We notice some restorations, mostly located in the sky: several little scattered spots and some more important restorations near the upper left corner, on the middle near the upper edge, as well as some spots of retouching on several horses’ bodies and some faces.
"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."

Notre tableau est une reprise de la composition d'Adam Frans van der Meulen pour le passage du Rhin connue par plusieurs versions (musée du Louvre et Rijksmuseum d’Amsterdam). Cette composition fut à l’origine de plusieurs projets, notamment de tapisserie, dans la célèbre tenture de l’Histoire du Roy. Ce projet ne fut jamais mené à son terme. L’épisode du passage du Rhin aurait du être traité avec ampleur mais il ne fut jamais tissé. Il existe cependant des dessins, études réalisées par van der Meulen, sur les conseils de Lebrun (Louvre, département des Arts Graphiques).