Frederick Arthur Bridgman

Private collection, USA
Purchased from the above by the present owner circa 1999

The canvas has been relined, apparently retaining the original stretcher. There are some lines of paint shrinkage associated with the drying of the artist's pigments notably in the dress of the seated woman, the hat of the child, and the black pigments to the right of the doorway; there are some other scattered faint thin lines of craquelure consistent with age. Ultra-violet light reveals a number of scattered carefully-restored repairs which are not particularly visible to the naked eye, notably in a 'H' shape in and below the woman's gown, in the wall just above her head and just in her hair, in the plant pots, and some other scattered small lines. The overall appearance of the painting under normal light is good. Presented in a simple gold-painted 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."

The Sewing Lesson is an early painting by Bridgman painted in the rigorous and precise style that sets it apart from his later, more loosely painted works. Bridgman arrived in Paris from America in 1866, entering the studio of Jean-Léon Gérôme (lot 15) at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts where he honed his skills and under whose tutelage he developed the pictorial idiom exemplified in paintings like the present work. After a trip to Algeria and Egypt in 1872, Bridgman turned his attention to North African subjects. The Sewing Lesson was painted soon after that first journey, the vivid colours and fabrics, and the scene itself, a reflection of Bridgman's fascination with, and empathy towards, the culture he experienced there.