Nicolas Colombel

With Galerie Heim, Paris;
By whom sold to Mr. and Mrs. Allen Field, Houston, 1959;
Thence by descent to the present owner.

Probably A. Blunt, "Nicolas Colombel", in Revue de L'Art, vol. 9, 1970, p. 30, reproduced, p. 34, fig. 18.

The picture is relined. There are selective parts of discolored scattered retouches. Most of these are perceptible to the naked eye, such as in the yellow robe of the figure at left; in the middle section of the sky; in the upper right portion of the sky; and in parts of the pyramid at right. The figures all appear to be in very good condition. Most of the retouches appear to be cosmetic and with some attention paid to these the painting would then be ready to hang. Overall though the vast majority of paint is well retained. In a carved gilt wood 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.

This painting is entirely characteristic of Nicolas Colombel and is painted in a highly classicizing style, which reveals the artist's clear debt to the work of his fellow countryman Nicolas Poussin. After studying in Paris under Pierre de Seve (1623-1695), Colombel travelled to Rome, probably before 1680, where he was strongly influenced by the work of Raphael and Poussin, the latter of whose drawings and paintings he is known to have copied. In 1686 Colombel is recorded as a member of the Painter's Accademia di San Luca in Rome, and although it is not known how long he remained there, he had returned to Paris by 1693, for the following year he was named a member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, becoming associate professor in 1701 and professor four years later.

Another version of this work was sold as by Colombel in Perrin, Royere, Lajeunesse, 19 June 2005, lot 45.