Jean-Simon Berthélemy

Anonymous sale, London, Phillips, 18 December 1984, lot 73 (as circle of Charles Joseph Natoire);
With Agnew's, London, 1986.

London, Thomas Agnew and Sons, From Claude to Géricault, the Arts in Europe, June - July 1986, no. 1.

Thomas Agnew and Sons, From Claude to Géricault, the Arts in Europe, exhibition catalogue, London,1986, cat. no. 1, reproduced on the frontispiece.

The canvas has had a recent and firm relining. The paint surface is secure, and the varnish clear and even. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye. There are two tiny pinpoint loss to the right of the crescent moon of Diana's crown, and another to the lower left of Callisto's right foot. Inspection under ultra violet light does reveal some old, well restored damages. 1 - in the middle of the canvas, 4 in. in from the right margin; an 'a' shape old damage covering a 4x6 inch area. 2 - in the lower centre there is an old vertical tear. It runs 10 in. from the bottom margin, there is a smaller 4 inch tear above, to the left. 3 - A series of 3 diagonal restored scratches running from Callisto's elbow to knee. 4 - 2 x 1 in. patch of restoration in Diana's back. 5 - A small 4 in. horizontal tear to the lower left of the material draped over Callisto's knee. Otherwise there are only some minor scattered retouchings. The varnish appears opaque under ultra violet light so any earlier work would be hard to read.
"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."

A smaller version (63.5 by 81.7 cm.) with some differences, notably in the head of Callisto, was sold Monaco, Christie's, 3 April 1897, lot 82.