Victoria Dubourg Fantin-Latour

Ferdinand et Julien Tempelaere, Paris
William Watson Galleries, Montréal
Léo Timmins, Montréal
Sale: Pinney's Auctions, Montréal, 18 February 1986, lot 68

Paris, Salon, 1877, no. 750

The canvas has been relined. There are scattered fine, faint lines of craquelure and a tiny spot of paint flaking to the left of the basket. Under ultraviolet light the varnish fluoresces somewhat opaquely, obscuring a clear reading of the surface, however there are some scattered minor signs of retouching notably some very fine strokes in the background between the flowers in the upper right quadrant, and scattered spots near the framing edges. This painting is in good condition, and ready to hang. Held in a decorative rococo-style gilt frame, with a cloth-covered inner liner. The colours are overall accurate in the catalogue illustration, although there is less of a red-orange cast in reality.
"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."

It was in 1876, the year the present work was painted, that Dubourg married fellow painter Henri Fantin-Latour (1836-1904). Edouard Manet and patron of the arts Edmond Maître were the witnesses at the ceremony.