CHARLES-ANDRÉ VAN LOO CALLED CARLE VAN LOO | A group of putti harvesting hay, one drinking from a bowl while resting in the foreground: an allegory of Summer

The canvas has been relined and is stable. The paint layer is very well-preserved, with impasto brushwork evident throughout, and the colors remain bright and lively. Under ultraviolet light, there are a handful of scattered, small retouches, mostly addressing areas in shadows. The largest, about 5 mm, is found on the cheek of the putti to the right of center, with his back to us. None of these restorations are visible to the naked eye or distracting. Overall the work appears fresh and bright, and should be hung as is. Offered in a carved 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This charming allegory of summer features a group of putti gathering wheat, two of them at rest while the others continue the work in the fields.  It was originally conceived as a set of four seasons, likely commissioned for a specific decorative scheme.  Allegory of Fall was sold by LeFranc on 5 June 2005, lot 219, as by Boucher; the locations of the other two scenes are unknown. 

Carle Van Loo was the most famous member of an artistic dynasty.  He was acclaimed in his own time for his tremendous skill in depicting a wide range of subjects and styles, producing portraits, mythological, genre and history subjects, as well as religious works. While still in his teens, he won first prize for drawing at the Académie Royale in 1723 and was awarded  the Prix de Rome the following year.  Van Loo received numerous royal commissions, including the decoration of the king’s private chambers at Fontainebleau and Versailles, and was appointed Premier Peintre to Louis XV in 1762.  In addition to his work at the court, his paintings were in demand from other members of the aristocracy and Parisian society.