BERNARD VAILLANT | Portrait of a gentleman, bust length, wearing a yellow cloak

With Douwes Art Gallery, Amsterdam

Partially laid down to a card backing. There is some staining to the upper left corner and what appears to be a water stain to the right half of the upper edge. There is a nick to the right of the lower edge and abrasions to the extremities, most notably to the right edge. The portrait itself remains well intact with the medium predominantly strong. Sold in a giltwood frame.
"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 by Bernard Vaillant, the half-brother and pupil of Wallerant Vaillant, whom the young artist, amongst other exploits, accompanied to Frankfurt in 1658 for the coronation of Leopold I. This pastel, a medium that Bernard seems to have used more systematically than his brother, is a characteristic example of his work whereby, as observed by Neil Jeffares, "he abandoned the stiff and severe style of Wallerant, and extended his palette to include pinks, ochres and browns".¹ For a characteristic drawing by Wallerant Vaillant, see sale, New York, Sotheby's, 31 January 2018, lot 242.

^1. N. Jeffares, Dictionary of pastellists before 1800, London 2006, p. 524