Jacques Antoine Vallin

"The following condition report has been provided by Henry Gentle, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. The oak panel is in good condition with only a small area of unstable paint to the centre at the top.. The condition of the painting is good although the natural shrinkage of the paint layer has resulted in a fine filigree of pale cracking to the foreground, much of which has been reduced by restoration which has discoloured. The tonality would improve with the removal of the varnish."
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

The treatment of both the landscape and figures in the present lot can be compared to Vallin's Diana and her nymphs surprised by Acteon in Rouen, Musée Joseph Dechelette (see French painting, 1774-1830: The Age of Revolution, exhibition catalogue, Paris, Grand Palais, 16 November 1974 - 3 February 1975, p. 641, reproduced p. 210).