French school, circa 1800

the painting has been recently cleaned and restored and the canvas relined. The painting is in very good overall condition with only a few very minor retouchings and no major 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."

Charles-René Laitié was a pupil of the sculptor Claude Dejoux. He won second prize in the Grand Prix de Rome in 1803, and first prize in 1804. He showed at the Salon from 1812 to 1838, and was a medallist in 1824. Amongst his most notable works is his La Justice et La Force on the east façade of the Louvre. Here he is shown working on La Force for l’œil de boeuf’ of the Cour Carrée at the Louvre, which was exhibited at the Salon of 1824.