ALFRED STEVENS | Rêverie

François Van der Donckt, Sainte Adresse (acquired from the artist through Ernest Le Roy on 18 November 1885)
Henri Le Roy et Fils, Brussels
Ernest Le Roy (by descent from the above; his sale: Galerie Georges Petit (F. Lair-Dubreuil), Paris, 2 December 1926, lot 43
Jean Stern (1875-1962) and Claude Lambert (1884-1971, daughter of Baron Léon Lambert and Baroness Zoé-Lucie Betty de Rothschild)
Simone Stern, Comtesse Orazio Sanjust di Teulada (by descent from the above)
Paola Sanjust di Teulada, Comtesse Charles de Rohan-Chabot (by descent from the above; thence by descent)

Brussels, Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts; Amsterdam, Van Gogh Museum: Alfred Stevens, 2009-10, no. 44, illustrated in the catalogue

The artist's livre de comptes, 1885, no. 496
Ernest le Roy's livre de comptes, 1885 to 1887, no. 6
Gustave Van Zype, Les frères Stevens, Brussels, 1936, no. 52
Le Figaro artistique, 2 December 1926, p. 125, illustrated

The panel is flat, even, and ensuring a stable support. The panel has been extended with a circa 3cm band visible on the reverse, most likely by the artist himself. There are some areas of fine, drying craquelure, notably visible in the red curtains and in the black fan. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals some uneven fluorescence due to old residual varnish. With the exception of some intermittent lines of cosmetic retouching along the right and left edges, addressing frame rubbing, there is no other visible sign of restoration. This work is in good condition and is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame. There are traces of an earlier and somewhat faded signature in the lower right corner which is consistent with the additional band along the lower edge.
"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."

To be included in the Alfred Stevens catalogue raisonné being prepared by the Comité Alfred Stevens.