Martin Drölling

Canvas is unlined. The paint surface has been very well preserved with lovely retention of detail and coloration. There is an old repaired tear in the right side of the blue fabric attached to the pole which has been patched on the reverse. A few other tiny retouches are visible to naked eye: one on hat, one at far middle right edge, and one in lower part of jacket. Some minor scuffing at lower edge. A craquelure pattern is visible throughout, more so in the flesh tones, but not terribly distracting. Under UV light: only the retouching over the aforementioned repaired tear fluoresces. Painting is presentable and could be hung as is. Offered in a gilt wood frame with some nicks and losses.
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.

The celebrated soprano Mademoiselle Saint Aubin played the part of Michel in Nicholas Dalayrac's “Les deux petit Savoyards,” which premiered at the Comedie-Italienne on January 14th, 1789 to great acclaim.  Born in Paris to the Dutch theatre director Frederic Schroeder, she began performing at an early age, and eventually moved to Lyon, where she married the tenor Augustin d'Herbez, called Saint Aubin (1754-1818) in 1782.  She returned to Paris in 1786 and continued her very successful career on the stage.