Entourage de François-Pascal-Simon Gérard

Joachim Murat (1767 - 1815), Maréchal of Empire, Grand duke of Berg and of Kleve (1806-1808), French prince and king of Naples (1808-1815) ;
Lucien Murat (1803 - 1878), son of the above, French prince, prince of Naples, prince of Pontecorvo and 3rd prince Murat ;
Thence by descent

"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."

Our painting, probably executed circa 1810-1812, represents Caroline in a Neapolitan palace, sitting on her throne in a sumputous silk dress with golden embroidery, with a velvet cape, in the tradition of official portraits. In the background, the bay of Naples and the Vesuvio are visible.

This composition was always considered by the owners' family as by the baron Gérard and studio. However, Alain Latreille, specialist of the artist's work, advised us that this portrait is neither by Gérard nor his studio. In Ornella Scognamiglio's book, I dipinti di Gioacchino e Carolina Murat, published in 2008, a similar painting is illustrated though smaller in size (115 x 88cm) and presenting a few variants. It is catalogued as "after Jean-Baptiste Regnault". In another book, Carolina Murat La regina francese del regno delle Due Sicilie by Nicoletta d'Arbitrio and Luigi Ziviello, this very composition is listed as attributed to Gérard.

We would like to thank Monsieur Alain Latreille for the information he gave us.