約翰‧弗里德里希‧格羅特

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This oil on canvas is not lined and still seems to be on its original stretcher. The paint layer is stable, and although there is an even pattern of cracking throughout the surface, it is neither indicative of instability nor visually disturbing. The painting has been cleaned and retouched, and is in very fresh and original condition. There are hardly any retouches visible either to the naked eye or under ultraviolet light. There are a few spots in the dog on the right and there are probably retouches in the upper background, but these are hard to see. The work certainly is in very good condition.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The German artist Johann Friedrich Grooth moved to Saint Petersburg in 1743 and subsequently was appointed painter to the court of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna, the daughter of Peter the Great and Catherine I.  During his highly respected tenure at court, Grooth was commissioned to decorate the central hall of the Empress’ menagerie with various likenesses of animals.  He became well known for such lifelike representations—particularly his portrayals of the beloved dogs belonging to the Empress and her successor, Catherine the Great.