Louis Jean François Lagrenée

The painting is relined. There are losses to the paint in the lower left corner, measuring about five inches in length and one inch in height, and two other smaller losses towards the right corner. There is a small loss in the upper right corner, and a few minor losses in the bottom middle. Some of the paint around these losses is starting to lift so attention should be paid to secure and stabilize that lifting. There is an older dirty varnish which under UV, appears somewhat milky and renders any older retouches largely invisible. Through the varnish, the ear and nose of the left figure appear to have some older retouches applied. There do not appear to be any newer retouches on top of the varnish and the painting could respond quite well to a cleaning. In a carved and giltwood frame with a few minor chips in the 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.

Louis-Jean-François Lagrenée, also called Lagrenée the elder, was born in Paris into a family of artists. He studied with his brother Jean-Jacques, trained with Carle Vanloo, won the Prix de Rome in 1749 and studied at the French Academy in that city. He became a member of the art academies in St. Petersburg and in Paris, where he exhibited prominently in the Salon.