Workshop of Carle van Loo

Anonymous Sale, London, Christie's, 28 October 1955, lot 129 (as Raoux) to Smith for 320 gns.;
Mrs. Paul Wallraf, formerly Muriel Ezra, first wife of Alfred Ezra OBE of Foxwarren Park, Cobham, Surrey;
Mrs. Raymond Sawyer, née Ruth Ezra, of Chestnut Lodge, Cobham, Surrey.

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in fair overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for a couple of minor flecks of paint loss in the upper right by the figure's hand and one centre right by the baby's shoulder. Also the darker pigments are a little thin in places as can be seen in the catalogue and there is also evidence of a pronounced stretcher bar mark running parallel to the upper canvas edge. Under a raking light there is evidence of old scattered retouching concentrated primarily in the background to the fabrics, most noticeably to what appears to be two old repaired vertical area of damage, each measuring approx. 8 cm., in the yellow fabric. Otherwise the painting appears to be in fair condition but for a discoloured varnish and surface dirt overall which is in keeping with the paintings age. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of both the varnish and the aforementioned retouching to the area of damage and throughout the fabrics whilst revealing further minor scattered retouchings throughout the background. There are also two further notable areas of damage, the first in the face of the right most child measuring approx. 8 cm. and the second of a similar length can be seen in the right most edge of the exposed stone, lower left. There is also retouching to what appear to be four old surface scratches. The first, in the upper right runs diagonally from the column into the sky for approx. 10cm.; the second, again in the upper right, runs vertically through the base of the column for approx 10 cm.; the third in the upper centre runs horizontally through the red curtain parallel to the figure's right cheek for approx. 10 cm.; the fourth is located centre left at the base of the red curtain and runs horizontally for approx. 8 cm.; the final scratch is located in the lower left to the right most edge of the exposed stone and runs horizontally for approx. 8 cm. There is also some minor retouching to an old stretcher bar mark lower left. Relatively speaking though the figure appears to be in good condition but for some minor spots of cosmetic retouching to her dress. FRAME Held in a carved and gilt wood frame in fair condition. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@sothebys.com.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A workshop replica of the original composition painted by the artist for Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764) for the Chateau de Bellevue, now in the Pushkin Museum, Moscow (no. 742).