François Boucher Paris 1703 - 1770

J.D. Lempereur (L.1740); Sale, Paris, 24 May 1773, lot 542 or 549;
Sale, New York, Christie's, 24 January 2001, lot 108

Laid down on a 19th (?) Century mount. A vertical crease in the left quarter of the sheet, although this is a fault in the paper rather than later damage. There are two very tiny holes at the centre of the upper edge, which are barely visible. Otherwise, the condition is excellent, and the chalk is still fresh and strong.
"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."

Alastair Laing has confirmed the attribution, and compares the drawing to another red chalk academy nude of 1740-45.¹  It appears that the model in both is the same and that he may be a man called Deschamps or Descamps who was employed by the Academy for more than 40 years.  For an interesting discussion of life drawing in Paris in the 18th century, see James H. Rubin, Eighteenth Century French Life Drawing, Selections from the Collection of Mathias Polakovits.²  And, for another drawing by Boucher using Deschamps as a model, see Françoise Joulie et al., François Boucher, no. 37.³

This drawing belonged to Jean-Denis Lemprereur (1701-1779) who, with Mariette, was one of the most important French 18th century collectors.  His sale, held in his lifetime, contained almost fifty lots by Boucher, many of which he had bought from the artist's posthumous sale in 1771, so his mark is a particularly significant provenance.

1. See Marianne Roland Michel, Le dessin français au XVIIIe siècle, Fribourg 1987, p. 70, fig. 57

2. exhibition catalogue, Princeton, Art Museum, 1977

3. exhibition catalogue, Versailles, Musée Lambinet, 2004