FRANÇOIS-AUGUSTE BIARD | Explorers in Novaya Zemlya, the Arctic

The canvas has been lined and is securely attached to a keyed wooden stretcher. Some minor craquelure is visible in the ice in the lower right corner. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals some small scattered spots and lines of cosmetic retouching and some strokes possibly addressing old repairs, including: - a circa 20cm. horizontal stroke, with clusters of small spots within and around it, in the sky in the upper left quadrant; - a circa 7cm. vertical area in the sky in the upper right quadrant; - two circa 6cm. vertical strokes in the sky in the upper right quadrant, closer to the mountain; and - one circa 10cm. horizontal stroke in the snow closer to the centre of the lower framing edge. It should be noted the aforementioned retouchings have been carefully applied and are only visible upon close inspection. Overall, this work presents well and is in good condition. This work is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame. Colours are more intense and deeper in reality than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

The present work was presumably painted on Biard's return to France from Spitsbergen in northern Norway in 1841. The voyage came two years after Biard's first Arctic subject: Embarcation attaquée par des ours blancs, which so impressed King Louis-Philippe that he sent Biard on a scientific mission to the Arctic.

The present work reprises a composition of 1839 by Eugène Lepoittevin (Musée départemental de l'Oise, Beauvais). Together the two works reflect the nineteenth century's interest in the history of polar exploration. Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz (c. 1550-1597) and his men made three expeditions in the Arctic in search of a Northern sea route around Russia. On his final expedition Barentsz wintered on the coast of Novaya Zemyla, having earlier passed the coast of Spitsbergen themselves. The Barents Sea was later named in his honour. 

We are grateful to Baptiste Henriot for his assistance in cataloguing this work.