Nicolas Lagneau

Bears dry stamp, lower right

Sold in ebony frame. Hinged to backing in top corners. There are some pale, isolated, fox marks. A small loss at the right of the lower edge, made up neatly. Some very light horizontal wrinkling towards bottom, and vertically at left edge. A little surface dirt, but overall condition very good, the chalk still strong and fresh.
"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."

This is a typical portrait or character study by Lagneau, executed in his characteristic combination of red and black chalks. In addition to individual drawings, a number of albums of portrait drawings of this type by the artist remain intact, most notably one in Paris which once belonged to the celebrated French scholar, Abbé Michel de Marolles, whose collection forms the core of the Bibliothèque National.  It was Marolles who identified the author of the album as 'Lagneau' in his inventory.