- 120
Jean-Baptiste Greuze
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Jean-Baptiste Greuze
- head of a young woman wearing a kerchief over her hair
- Red chalk;
bears signature in pen and brown ink: Greuze and again in a modern hand in pencil, and bears number: 12
Condition
Laid down on card. Some foxing all over but chalk fresh and strong. Vertical chain lines of paper visible.
"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
This is a characteristically bold and attractive example of Greuze's head studies, which sometimes relate to figures in his paintings, but seem more often to have been made for their own sake, as would appear to have been the case here. This type of Tête de caractère, was also executed to be engraved and such prints were intended for use by student artists. They were widely copied and very popular. In the present example, the artist's exquisite precision in delineating the face and modulating the features of this young girl using the characteristic sharpened red chalk with a variety of cross-hatchings contrasts with the free indication of the scarf around her face. Adding to the skilful modelling of the image are the clear indications of light and shadow.