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 fut très proche de Sargent avec qui il rencontra les Américains de Paris. Il peignit ce portrait de Mrs Anne Harriman Sands Rutherford Vanderbilt (1864 - 1940) six ans après son mariage avec Mr William Kissam Vanderbilt, en 1903. Très élégante, elle est ici vêtue de noir. En effet, son fils d'un premier mariage, Winthrop Sands, mourut dans un accident de voiture en juillet 1908, un an avant la réalisation de ce tableau.

Mrs William K. Vanderbilt fut l'une des instigatrices de l'American Ambulance de Neuilly, d'où naquit l'actuel Hôpital Américain. Elle participa activement à l'édification du Musée de la Coopération Franco-Américaine de Blérancourt, avec son amie, Anne Morgan.