FRANÇOIS-LOUIS-JOSEPH WATTEAU, CALLED WATTEAU DE LILLE | Three drawings of elegant female figures

Sale, Paris, Bailly-Pommery & Voutier Associés, 28 March 2013, lot 1

All laid down on japan paper and hinged together on the same modern mount. Some very minor staining, otherwise good overall condition. Sold unframed.
"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-Louis-Joseph Watteau was, like his father, known as Watteau de Lille and predominantly active as an artist in the city of his birth, where from 1808 until his death he served as the deputy curator of the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille. The three portrayals of elegantly dressed women that make up the present lot are all highly characteristic examples of the artist's graphic style and are, in all likelihood, studies for Gallerie des modes et costumes française, a collection of 445 plates of French fashion, for which he is known to have contributed around 118 drawings, between 1784-1787. The refinement of his subjects' poses and costumes, can be closely compared with other surviving sheets for this project in the Bibliothèque d'art et d'archéologie, Geneva.<sup>1

1.</sup> G. Mäes, Les Watteau de Lille, Paris 1998, pp. 425-429, nos. FD71, FD74, FD76 and FD 91, reproduced