Jules Joseph Lefebvre

Acquired by the grandmother of the present owner in Spain
Thence by descent

The below condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com, an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This work has been fairly recently restored. The canvas seems to have been lined, but not recently. The paint layer is cleaned, varnished and retouched. The face of the girl and much of the background on the right side are in good condition. The hands and the book in the lower right are also in respectable condition. However, there is significant restoration in the upper left background, in the red cloak and across through the lace cuff in the lower right. The restoration in the cloak is clearly visible under ultraviolet light and covers at least 75% of the red. While this restoration may be exaggerated, one can see that there is a significant structural damage, probably a complex tear beginning in the upper left running vertically toward the lower left corner. The signature in the upper right has not been recently cleaned, and retouches cannot be identified here because of the old varnish. No further restoration is recommended.
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.