François Flameng

The painting sits on its original canvas. It is dirty and would benefit from a light cleaning. The two horizontal stretcher marks are slightly visible. The canvas' thread is thick. Small wears are visible alongside the frame, due to its friction with the canvas. Small and tight craquelures are visible in the lower part of the composition (except the chair). The signature seems to have been reinforced on the artist's last name ("...lameng"), maybe due to the colors making it hard to read. Under UV light, a small restored tear is visible below the model's right shoulder, and another small retouch by her right breast. 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."

François Flameng, who was good friends with Sargent, knew quite the American crowd living in Paris. He painted this portrait of Mrs Anne Harriman Sands Rutherford Vanderbilt (1864 - 1940) six years after she married Mr William Kissam Vanderbilt in 1903. Most elegant, she is dressed in black. In fact, she had just lost her son from her first marriage, Winthrop Sands, who had tragically died in an automobile accident in July 1908. 

Mrs William K. Vanderbilt was one of the leaders in founding the American Ambulance at Neuilly, from which grew the American Hospital. She also helped in building Museum of Franco-American Cooperation at Blérancourt, with her good friend, Anne Morgan.