Ferdinand Victor Léon Roybet

M. Dussol (and sold: Hôtel Drouot, Paris, March 17, 1884, lot 85, illustrated)
Catharine Lorillard Wolfe, New York
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (bequest from the above in 1887 and sold: Parke-Bernet, New York, March 27-28, 1956, lot 21)
Renaissance Galleries (acquired at the above sale)
Bond Street Galleries, London
Major G.L. Webb, Dorking
Private Collection, United Kingdom

In very good condition. On a stable panel. Under UV: Inpainting to address frame abrasion at upper left and right corners. Varnish fluoresces.
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.

At the time of her death, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe (1828-1887) was named the wealthiest unmarried woman in the United States.  Her vast resources, combined with a passion for philanthropy and art collecting, allowed for her 1889 bequest of 143 paintings to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, including Pierre-Auguste Cot's The Storm, Jean-Léon Gérôme's Prayer in the Mosque, and Roybet's A Game of Cards among other notable compositions. At the time, Wolfe's gift was the foundation for one of the most important collections of contemporary art in an America museum and inspired an increase in donations from other private collectors.