Hippolyte-Jean-Baptiste Garneray

Très probablement, Salon, Paris, 1819, n°480 titré Orléans, la Place de l'Etape ;
Peut-être, Salon, Douai, Lille, 1825, n°249 titré Une des places d'Orléans  

There are two chips of paint which are fragile on the upper border, in the middle (in the sky), a line of paint which is comes out (probably to retractation of the matter due to movement), and a small vertical crack in the upper left corner (1cm). Under UV light, a few small repaints are visible on the surface, especially on the spots mentionned above, and in the lower right corner where a vertical repaint is visible by the carriage and the houses (about 15cm). Old repaints are difficult to see under the light. The painting is slightly less red than on the catalogue. Good overall condition.
"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."

Garneray représente ici la place de l'Etape à Orléans, d'où on aperçoit la partie supérieure de la Cathédrale Sainte-Croix. Repris en 1817 après une interruption au moment de la Révolution, les travaux visant à l'agrandissement de la Cathédrale se terminent en 1829. Vers 1826-28, Turner peint plusieurs aquarelles reprenant le même sujet, dont l'une est conservée à la Tate Britain, Londres.