Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Bernheim-Jeune, Paris
Arthur K. Watson, Connecticut (probably acquired circa 1970)
Thence by descent

Original canvas. Minor craquelure in the thinly painted areas. This is not very visible and is stable. Under UV light, several nailhead-size dots of inpainting along top edge and several strokes upper right corner to address frame abrasion. A few hairline strokes of inpainting above tree and center of lower right quadrant to address craquelure.
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.

An earlier owner of the present work was Arthur K. Watson.  In the late 1940s, he worked with his father, IBM president Thomas J. Watson, Sr., in the incorporation and organization of the IBM World Trade Corporation, the subsidiary which handled IBM's business outside the United States.  As president and later board chairman of the IBM World Trade Corporation, Arthur Watson expanded its operations throughout the world.  

Thomas Watson Sr. had been integral to the founding of IBM's extraordinary corporate art collection, the history of which began in 1937 when he initiated a series of art contests in each of the 79 countries where IBM did business.  Winners received awards and the best works were exhibited together with the company's most advanced technological products in the 1939 World's Fair in New York.  IBM's corporate collection continued to grow under Thomas Watson Sr's direction and his instincts were instilled in his son. Arthur's affinity for collecting was further fueled by the international travel he undertook for IBM, and also by the years he spent serving as US Ambassador to France, from 1970 to 1972.  It is likely that it was during this period that the present work was purchased in Paris.