Hubert Robert

This painting is oil on canvas (not oil on paper as stated in printed catalogue). the canvas appears to have had an old very thin relining. there is a small lifting in sky at upper right. the overall composition reads well. the browns of the ground show through in parts of the foliage, the tree trunks lower left and rocks at center. however, these areas appear to have been more thinly painted to begin with. examination under UV light reveals extensive repainting and reworking throughout the sky; landscape areas are better preserved. Offered n a carved and gilt wood 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.

Robert here depicts the Ermenonville park in Oise, choosing as his focal point the tomb of the Swiss philospher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 - 1778), whose ideals he much admired.  The artist returned to the subject a number of times in the course of his career, varying the view point or the positioning of figures in the foreground.  Three known Ermenonville compositions include that formerly with Galerie George Petit, Paris, in 1926, another sold at Drouot, Paris, in 1933 and one in a horizontal format sold at Christie's, New York, 1985.¹

This painting will be included in the critical catalogue of the paintings of Hubert Robert, currently being prepared under the auspices of the Wildenstein Institute.

1.  Chateau d'Ermenonville, Paris, Drouot, 8 March 1933, lot 14; Anonymous sale, New York, Christie's, 9 May 1985, lot 1.