Théodore Géricault

Alfred Sensier (1815-1877),
his estate sale, Paris, 10-11 December 1877, lot 431;
Jean Dollfus (1823-1911),
his estate sale, Paris, 4 March 1912, lot 49,
where purchased by Pierre Baudin (1863-1917);
sale, Paris, 16 March 1921, lot 40, (erroneously attributed to Puvis de Chavannes),
where purchased by Madame Pierre Goujon (1884-1971);
The heirs of Madame Pierre Goujon;
acquired from the above by Wildenstein & Co., New York, 1972;
sale, Christie's, New York, 22 January 2003, lot 103,
where purchased by the late owner

Paris, Hôtel Charpentier, Géricault, 1924, no. 91
New York, The Pierpont Morgan Library, Master Drawings by Gericault, 1985, no. 5
San Francisco, Palace of the Legion of Honor, Géricault: Romantic Paintings and Drawings, 1989, no. 13

L. Eitner, Géricault, His Life and Work, London 1983, p. 80, fig. 61, illustrated (as Classical Female Nude disrobing)
B. Noël, Gericault, Paris 1991, pp. 7-9
G. Bazin, Théodore Géricault. Etude critique, documents et catalogue raisonné, Paris 1990, vol. IV, Le Voyage en Italie, pp. 97-98, nos. 1071 (recto) & 1072 (verso), catalogued & illustrated; p. 11, discussed

The sheet has not been laid down, and instead the extreme edges of the verso have been attached to a thin sheet which is in turn attached to the backboard. There is a very faint circa 3cm horizontal old crease from the left edge in the centre (as viewed from the recto) and a very minor repair near the centre of the upper edge (visible under close inspection). The sheet has evenly time stained and is slightly lighter at the extreme right and lower edges as viewed from the recto relating to an old mat. There are some scattered minor spots of light staining as just visible in the catalogue illustration. This work is in good overall condition and the medium strong. Presented framed and glazed on both sides, the edges of the recto visible and not covered by the mat. For any questions regarding this lot please contact Richard Lowkes in the 19th Century European Paintings department on 020 7293 5477.
"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."

Executed circa 1812.

'There is no danger of mistaking his drawings [...] for the work of David's docile followers. What distinguishes his manner from theirs is its rough energy, the exact opposite of the tame and precious elegance to which classical ideality had degenerated' (Lorenz Eitner, discussing the present work in Géricault, His Life and Work, London, 1983, p. 80)