Alexandre Jean Dubois Drahonet

Thence by descent in the family of the sitters since the beginning of the 19th century.

The lady with the red coat with fur: The canvas has been relined. The paint is beginning to lift along the lower right corner, there are some small losses to the paint in that area. There is a dirty old varnish still applied to the painting which could be removed to positive results. The skintones of the sitter here appear to have discolored over time, perhaps as a result of older retouches or the varnish. There do not appear to be any major retouches applied to the canvas that are perceptible under UV, only a few along the lower left background and on the sitter’s right shoulder. In a carved and giltwood frame with a loss to the beaded border of the frame upper middle. The lady with the blue dress: Similar to its companion, this painting is covered with an older, and dirty varnish which has since discolored. The varnish has rendered older retouches which lay underneath largely invisible. There are no major apparent retouches on top of the varnish. In a carved and giltwood frame with minor losses to the inside of the frame.
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.