After Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

Three-quarter length, wearing a mauve Silk Dress, holding a Flower, in a Garden Oil on canvas

Anonymous sale, London, Bonham's, Knightsbridge, 18 November 2008, lot 168.

The canvas is unlined and relatively clean. There are some minor paint losses, and one match head size hole towards the upper margin. There is a slight indentation to the canvas towards Marie-Antoinette's right shoulder. Under ultra violet inspection a thin uneven varnish is revealed. The work is offered in a carved and gilt wood frame.
"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."

A copy after the portrait of Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France (1755-1793), by Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun, in the Palace of Versailles.¹

1. Inv. no. MV 3839; see C. Constans, Les Peintures, Paris 1995, vol. II, p. 932, reproduced fig. 5244.