Théodore Géricault

Mme Becq de Fouquières (by 1924);
with Fritz and Peter Nathan, Zurich,
from whom acquired by Norton Simon, Los Angeles,
sale, New York, Sotheby Parke-Bernet, 2 May 1973, lot 12;
with Galerie Jan Krugier, Geneva;
P. Chamorel,
from whom acquired by the late owner in April 1997

Paris, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Dessins de l'Ecole moderne, 1884;
Paris, Galerie Charpentier, Géricault, 1924, no. 212a;
Ornans, Musée Courbet, Les Orientalistes chez Courbet, 2001, no. 51, reproduced

Master Drawings by Géricault, exh. cat., New York, San Diego, Houston, 1985-86, cited with no. 93;
Germain Bazin, Théodore Géricault, Etude critique, documents et catalogue raisonné, 1997, Paris, vol. VII, pp. 31, 144, no. 2329, reproduced;
Linie, Licht und Schatten, Meisterzeichnungen und Skulpturen der Sammlung Jan und Marie-Anne Krugier-Poniatowski, exh. cat., Berlin, 1999, p. 402, reproduced;
The Timeless Eye. Master Drawings from the Jan and Marie-Anne Krugier-Poniatowski Collection, exh. cat., Berlin, 1999, p. 402, reproduced

The sheet has not been laid down but is attached intermittently along the edges to the backboard, and is lightly undulated. The sheet is lightly evenly time-stained, less so along the right and extreme lower edge, and is very lightly stained to the right of the lion. This drawing is in good condition. Presented framed and glazed, the edges of the sheet visible and not covered by the mat. For any questions regarding this lot please contact Richard Lowkes in the 19th Century European Paintings department on 020 7293 5477.
"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."

Executed during his London sojourn in 1821, the present work belongs to a series of studies Géricault drew of the lions in London zoo.