- 167
Attributed to Louis Hersent
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description
- Louis Hersent
- Pandora reclining in a wooded landscape
- oil on canvas
- 136.5 by 174cm; 53 by 68½in
Provenance
Anonymous sale, London, Christie’s, 8 December 1967, lot 97 (as French School, circa 1810);
With M. Feilchenfeldt, Zurich, 1971, from whom acquired by Dr. Rau;
Bequeathed by Dr. Rau to the Foundation of the German Committee for UNICEF.
With M. Feilchenfeldt, Zurich, 1971, from whom acquired by Dr. Rau;
Bequeathed by Dr. Rau to the Foundation of the German Committee for UNICEF.
Condition
The painting is slightly warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has been recently relined and the paint surface is stable, if a little pressed in some localized areas. There is a small restored hole in the sky upper centre. Much of the ivy and background above Pandora's head has been retouched and strengthened, and the landscape to the right has also undergone some sporadic restoration. The figure herself is well-preserved, with just some minor scattered retouchings to her back. The drapery wrapping around her leg iis somewhat scuffled and appears ot have undergone some restoration. In general the painting is in stable and good condition for a canvas of this size. Sold unframed.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The identification of the nude is by no means certain, and a label on the reverse suggests that previously she was thought to represent Psyche. The only attributes being her extreme beauty and a box, an identification with Pandora however seems most plausible. Pandora, fashioned from clay by Vulcan, was sent to earth by Jupiter where she became wife of Epimetheus. Opening her box released all the evils that have since beset mankind, Jupiter's punishment to humankind for the theft of fire by Prometheus, brother of Pandora's husband Epimetheus.