Martin Drölling

Private collection, Provence.

The picture is richer in tone and fresher in colour than the catalogue illustration would suggest. The stable single panelhas a very very minor bow to it. The paint surface is in very good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint visible to the naked eye except for an old now stabilised thin craquelure. Examination under ultraviolet reveals scattered minor areas of strengthening predominantly to the darker pigments such as the shadows and shed to the right. There is also evidence of old localised minor infilling tot he craquelure in the centre. There is retouching to what may be an old area of damage in the wall above the well centre left measuring approx. 2 in. in diameter and some further retouching to old frame abrasion to the panel edge below this. There is also evidence of an uneven milky varnish. Overall however the canvas is in good ready to hang condition. Offered in a decorative gilt wood and plaster frame with some very minor losses.
"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."

This painting is a preliminary sketch for the picture The Young Errand-Boy (Le Petit Commissionnaire) which Drolling exhibited at the Salon of 1808 (no. 185), possibly identifiable with the signed version of this composition sold Paris, Bailly-Pommery & Voutier, 28 June 2011, lot 13.