JACQUES AUGUSTIN PAJOU | Men studies

a pair, both oil on canvas; both signed and dated lower right, the former: Pajou fils / 1785 and the latter: Pajou fils / 1787

Anonymous sale, Paris, Tajan, 20 December 2002, lot 149;
Collection Yves Saint-Laurent - Pierre Bergé, rue de Babyblone, Paris.

To the naked eye: Both paintings appear to be in good condition and are still on their original canvases. They have been cleaned in the 2nd half of the 20th century, quite strong that has caused some wears, especially in the brown areas (the eyes, the hair, the stubble beard and the rocks). The first one : We notice a restoration in the left hip and probably an old restoration on the rocks. The second one : We notice an old tear on the left close to the face (3 cm diam. approx.). Under U.V. light: The first painting: The painting appears under a green uniform varnish. We notice numerous dots of restorations scattered, especially on the face, the arms, the background and on the torso until the hip. The second one: The painting appears under a non-uniform green varnish. We notice the restoration already mentioned next to the face and another one on the background (3 cm. approx.) 5 cm from the right edge. We notice some very small scattered restorations. A l'oeil nu : Les tableaux se présentent dans un état de conservation satisfaisant. Il sont sur leur toile d'origine. Tous deux ont fait l'objet d'un nettoyage au cours de la deuxième moitié du XXème siècle, un peu trop fort et qui a provoqué des usures notamment dans les bruns (yeux, mâchoires, cheveux et rochers). Le premier (homme debout tourné vers la droite) : on remarque une restauration au niveau de la hanche gauche, et probablement une ancienne restauration au niveau du rocher sur lequel repose le personnage. Le second (homme assis tourné vers la gauche) : on remarque un accident à gauche du visage, d'environ 3 cm de diamètre. A la lampe UV : Le premier (homme debout tourné vers la droite) : le tableau se présente sous un vernis vert. On remarque de nombreux petits points de restauration épars, au niveau du visage, des bras, des fonds, et depuis la hanche gauche jusqu'au bras. Le second (homme assis tourné vers la gauche) : le tableau se présente sous un vernis vert non uniforme. On remarque une restauration à gauche du visage (déjà mentionnée à l'oeil nu) et une autre dans les fonds, d'environ 3 cm de diamètre également, à environ 5 cm du bord supérieur droit. On observe quelques toutes petites restaurations éparses.
"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."