Lot 558
  • 558

Jean-Paul Laurens

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
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Description

  • Jean-Paul Laurens
  • Vive Le Roi
  • signed Jean-Paul Laurens and dated 1893 (lower right)
  • oil on canvas, unframed

Provenance

Private collection, Santiago
Thence by descent

Exhibited

 

Condition

Oil on canvas, unframed. The picture surface is in overall good condition aside from a stable web of craquelure; stretcher bar marks visible both horizontally through the center and into areas vertically; surface dirt and dust. Abrasions are visible at the extreme edges; there are some abrasions which appear to be related to dirt or nails behind the structure along the lower edge. A nail has come through the canvas along the upper left edge of the work in the background and should be repaired. Under UV light, there are scattered retouches visible throughout the work, mainly in the upper left quadrant. The varnish fluoresces green and has been unevenly applied. Additional scattered retouches at the extreme edges.
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.

Catalogue Note

This subject is derived from the memoirs of Madame de Bonchamps, the widow of the Vendeean general, de Bonchamps.

Her husband, held in prison and condemned to death, had been pardoned by the Convention, but the revolutionary tribunal at Nantes had not provided the pardon papers. Madame de Bonchamps sent her seven-year-old daughter to request the papers.

The judges demand that the child sing the prettiest song she knows in order to receive the pardon papers. The child begins to sing with full voice a Chouan song, the refrain of which is Vive le Roi, à bas la République; her genuine nature disarms the judges, despite the song that she sings them, and de Bonchamps daughter receives the writ of pardon.