Jean Le Clerc

Raymond Britt, Palm Beach, sold to benefit the Northwood Institute, West Palm Beach;
Patrick O'Connor, Palm Beach;
Private Collection, North Carolina, 1978;
Julius Szakaly, Palm Beach, 1980.

C. Wright, The French Painters of the Seventeenth Century, London 1985, p. 207.

Tightly relined and surface has been pressed as a result. abrasions are scattered throughout, but most noticeably in the darks. there are scattered old filled losses that have discolored and also give the surface an uneven appearance in some areas. flesh tones appear to be better preserved in some of the figures. despite these problems, the painting still reads reasonably well in the foreground figures and the overall image is still striking. under UV: it is difficult to see through the old dirty varnish. some retouches fluoresce on the Virgin's face; on face, hair and neck and costume of kneeling figure at lower right; and some on figure at upper right. there could be others, but hard t tell. this painting will require some work; many of the old restorations were crudely done and could be improved upon with skillful restoration. In a carved and gilt wood frame with some losses at corners.
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.