Jean-Baptiste Greuze

J. Sawyer, presumable the daughter of the sitter (according to the label on the reverse)
Thence by descent, to Mrs. G.A. Sawyer, Newton Ferrers, Devon, as of 1889;
Sir Gerald Chadwyck-Healey 2^nd Bart. (1873-1955), Wyphurst, Cranleigh, Surrey;
His sale, London, Christie's, Febuary 21, 1930, lot 67;
Wildenstein, London.

London, Wildenstein, Woman of France in the XVIII^th Century, April-May 1938, no. 8

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This beautiful panel is in excellent condition. It has not been cleaned for many years. The reverse of the panel has been covered in what appears to be an original layer of burlap and horse hair mixed with glue, which is an effective way of ensuring that the panel and paint layer remain healthy. The paint layer is extremely dirty and will clean well. There appear to be no restorations to the surface and in all likelihood when the picture is cleaned, none will be required. Additionally, the frame is also outstanding.
"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."

We are grateful to Edgar Munhall for confirming the attribution to Greuze.

Greuze's sitter was the wife of Jan van Westrenen of Tremaat and of Houdringe, a resident of Utrecht who served as Ambassador from the Batavian Republic to the court of Sweden and later, during the reign of Napoleon I, as Holland's representative to the Corps Législatif in Paris.