Jean-Baptiste Deshays Colleville near Rouen 1729 - 1765 Paris

With Cailleux, Paris;
By whom sold, New York, Christie's, October 1998, lot 93.

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This painting has an old glue lining and the paint layer is stable. Under ultraviolet light some restorations are faintly visible to the immediate right of the head of the female figure in the upper center. There may also be some restorations in the upper center right, around the edges, particularly the left edge, and in the darker colors of the lower corners. However, despite the fact that the old varnish seems to block the ultraviolet light in some areas, the condition is quite presentable and the picture should be hung as is.
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.