François Hubert Drouais

To the naked eye: The painting appears in a favorable state of conservation. It has an old relining which was properly made​​. It presents a beautiful material with beautiful glaze. Under UV light: The painting is under a green uniform thick varnish. We notice quite a number of small restorations dots around the character's face, his forehead, his nose and cheeks. These recent restorations have been carried out correctly. The painting doesn't need any further restoration.
"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."

Selon la tradition familiale, le tableau a toujours été considéré comme un portrait du Comte d'Artois, futur Charles X. Cependant, il semble curieux que le comte se soit fait portraituré sans ses attributs royaux aussi il semble plus vraisemblable qu'il s'agisse d'un jeune homme de qualité dont l'identité demeure encore incertaine.  François-Hubert Drouais, célèbre portraitiste de la cour sous le règne Louis XV, peignit le comte d'Artois à plusieurs reprises notamment enfant accompagné de sa sœur, Madame Clothilde, sur une toile aujourd'hui conservée au Musée du Louvre.