French School, 19th Century

Oil on copper. The bottom left corner has lost its pigment. There is a dent to the right side of the upper edge at the upper right corner. Additional small nicks to the paint surface visible at the extreme edges. There is abrasion throughout the red of the subject's cloak. Surface in overall good condition aside from surface dirt and dust and some minor pigment separation. Under UV light, there are many retouches throughout the subject's clothing and background; there are an additional few dots and dashes of retouching scattered in the subject's face. Retouching is evident near the bend in the copper at the upper right corner. Framed and ready to hang.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This is a detail from Robert Lefevre’s full-length Portrait of Napoleon in Coronation Robes, painted in 1812 and now in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (acc. no. 26.789). Lefevre’s painting was engraved by Henry Wolf for William Milligan Sloane’s Illustration for the Life of Napoleon Bonaparte (The Century Co, 1896).