AFTER FRANÇOIS LEMOYNE | The Sacrifice of Iphigenia

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is dirty and the varnish discoloured and uneven. There are scattered surface accretions and visible retouchings throughout. The paint surface has thinned in the darker pigments, most notably centre and lower right, and shows evidence of slight wear. There is a repaired zig-zag tear with associated discoloured retouching in the clouds, upper right, approx. 10 x 15 cm., and a damage with associated paint loss in the fire (centre) 1 x 4 cm. There are a handful of scratches with associated paint loss (lower centre), the longest measuring 15 cm. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals these underneath the very thick varnish. In overall fairly good condition for a canvas of this size.
"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."

The present painting is based on Lemoyne's signed and dated original from 1728, which was engraved by Laurent Cars in 1761, and which sold at Sotheby's, London, 5 July 1950, lot 148.