Charles-Nicolas Cochin the Younger

Dr. Claus Virch, New York,
sale, London, Sothebys, 22 October 1984, lot 566

Laid down on an old mount. The sheet has yellowed somewhat and there are old repaired tears to the centre of the upper edge. There are some minor abrasions to the lower left and right corners, however the medium remains in otherwise good condition, with the image strong throughout. Sold in a modern giltwood frame.
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.

The present drawing is a reworked counterproof of Cochin's celebrated composition depicting the Spartan lawmaker, Lycurgus, being confronted by the wealthy residents of Sparta, who were enraged by his proposed reforms for the city. The original drawing, from which Cochin took this counterproof, is in the collection of the Musée du Louvre, Paris,¹ and dates to 1760. The Louvre drawing was exhibited to great acclaim at the Salon of 1761 and the composition is also known in reverse to the original drawing, through a crayon-manner print, engraved by Gilles Demarteau in 1769. ^1. See S. Rocheblave, Charles-Nicolas Cochin, Graveur et Dessinateur, Paris and Brussels 1927, pl. XLV, reproduced