Jean-Louis Demarne

Montpellier, Galerie Fontanel;
Bought by Jacques-Joseph de Boussairolles 30 August 1805;
Thence by descent to Henri de Colbert, Château de Flaugergues, Montpellier;
His Sale, New York, Sotheby's, 22 January 1997, lot 2.

J.-J. de Boussairolles, L'état de tableaux, cat. no. 12;
A. Chevalier, La collection de tableaux de Jacques-Joseph de Bousairolles 1741-1814, doctoral thesis, Sorbonne-Paris IV, 1984, p. 27, cat. no. 12, reproduced pl. 12.

Panel uncradled and beveled on all four sides. Vertical panel join just left of center is visible running top to bottom, but it is not disturbing. Overall compostion presents a lovely and charming image, and the picture may be hung as is. U.V. reveals some very minor small retouches scattered here and there, but these have all been applied well. Much of the surface area fluoresces, but this appears to be the varnish layer showing and not restoration. There seems to be quite old labels on the front and back of the frame, which may either be original or from the painting's early history. In a carved and gilt wood frame.
"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."

The collection of Jacques-Joseph de Boussairolles was one of the most important French private collections amassed at the end of the 18th Century and the beginning of the 19th Century. De Boussairolles was advised by the great art dealers of the time such as Fontanel, an important figure in the Parisian art world.