CIRCLE OF JEAN-BAPTISTE PATER | A sleeping young woman

Sir Robert Abdy Collection (1896-1976), Essex.

Le tableau paraît en réalité moins rouge que dans l’illustration au catalogue. A l’œil nu : Le tableau apparaît dans un état satisfaisant. Le tableau a fait l’objet d’un rentoilage. On remarque une bande horizontale de plus ou moins 1 mm qui court le long du bord inférieur, probablement en raison d’un ancien encadrement. On observe quelques retouches mineures et décolorées sur le mur derrière les personnages. A la lampe UV : Le tableau apparaît sous un vernis vert irrégulier. On remarque quelques reprises le long des bords, ainsi que de petites restaurations éparses : dans la jupe du personnage féminin, dans ses cheveux, dans le coin inférieur gauche, dans la main de l’homme, et enfin, derrière lui, dans les motifs décoratifs sur le mur. Vendu dans un cadre en bois doré sculpté, avec quelques éclats et altérations. The actual painting is much less red than the catalogue illustration would suggest. Under the naked eye : The painting seems to be in fairly good condition. The canvas has been relined. We see a horizontal strip of ca 1 cm running along the lower edge possibly due to an earlier framing. Some minor discoloured retouchings can be seen in the wall behind the figures. Under UV light : The varnish layer fluoresces for some parts, showing strengthenings along all the edges, some minor ones in the woman’s skirt, in her hair, lower left corner, in the man’s hand, and behind him the decoration. Offered with a carved and giltwood frame, some chips and damages.
"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 painting relates to La Déclaration d'amour painted by Jean-François de Troy in 1724 and exhibited in the Salon of 1725, belonging to the Jane Wrightsman Collection (New York). Stylistically the painting is closer to Jean-Baptiste Pater's style. 

We are grateful to Dr. Christoph Voghterr for his help in the writing of this catalogue note.