Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

Estate of the artist (sale: Vente Corot, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 26 May 1875, lot 8)
Georges Lemaistre, grand-nephew of the artist (acquired at the above sale; until 1902)
Private collection, California (by 1961)
Sale: Sotheby's, London, 2 December 1970, lot 17
Richard L. Feigen & Co., New York
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, 27 October 1988, lot 26
Private Collection

Alfred Robaut, L'oeuvre de Corot, catalogue raisonné et illustré, Paris, 1965, vol. II, p. 38, no. 98; p. 39, illustrated; vol. IV, p. 194, catalogued & illustrated in the listing of the Vente Corot

The canvas has an old relining. There are some scattered thin lines of craquelure, primarily in the lower centre, which are not visually distracting. Ultraviolet light reveals notably some thin horizontal lines of retouching addressing the aforementioned craquelure, and some minor spots in the lower left and upper left corners. The painting is in good condition and ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt 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. 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."

Painted on the terrace of the Villa Pamphili in Rome during Corot's first sojourn to Italy, circa 1826-28.