Lot 163
  • 163

Nicolas Robert

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Nicolas Robert
  • Geranium batrachiodes
  • Watercolor and gouache on vellum within gold and ink framing lines;signed in pen and brown ink, lower right: N. Rob. pin. and inscribed in gold: Geranium batrachiodes Aconiti folio Bauh. in pin.
  • 440 by 320 mm; 17¼ by 12½ in

Condition

Overall in very good condition. Brown staining at the lower margin and light foxing around the edges of the vellum. Vellum has buckled a little. Colours remain bright and vibrant.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

Nicolas Robert was perhaps the greatest French natural history artist of the 17th century, producing considerable numbers of superb watercolours on vellum, depicting flowers, plants, birds and other animals, primarily executed for Gaston d'Orléans, brother of King Louis XIII.  Today, his works can be found in various private and public collections, but the largest number is at the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris.  This collection contains over 6,000 watercolours by the artist, including all the known drawings of birds other than those formerly in the Marcel Jeanson Collection.1 1.  Sale, Monaco, Sotheby's, The Marcel Jeanson Collection, 16 June 1988