- 364
Philip Mercier
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Philip Mercier
- A boy drawing at his desk
- oil on canvas
Provenance
Anonymous sale, New York, Sotheby's, 11 October 1990, lot 17;
Where purchased by the present collector.
Where purchased by the present collector.
Condition
The painting has an old glue relining and the paint surface overall is smooth and stable. Areas that are more thinly painted such as the sleeve at right and the tails of the coat have sunk a little into the darks of the background but the image overall still reads well.
Inspection under UV reveals retouched losses and strengthening throughout the background, in the desk and drapery, particularly concentrated in the right hand sleeve and right side of the coat. There is finer strengthening to the outline of the bow-tie and to the hairline along the forehead. The face appears to be largely untouched except for minor retouching to the pupil of the right eye and a small area of in paint of approximately 1/4 by 1 in. above the eyebrow at the right side.
The painting is ready to hang in its present state and is offered in a carved gilt wood frame in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Philip Mercier first studied in Berlin with Antoine Pesne, then traveled in Italy and France before arriving in England in 1716. A portraitist patronized by the English gentry, Mercier was also influenced by Antoine Watteau and Jean-Siméon Chardin, whose work he knew through prints. He was Principal Painter to Frederick, Prince of Wales, but was replaced in 1736, moved out to the country and turned from portraiture to anecdotal pictures. Mercier is credited with bringing the French style of genre and conversation painting to England.
When the present picture was offered at auction in 1990, John Ingamells confirmed it to be by Mercier on the basis of photographs, dating it to the 1730s and noting Chardin's influence. An oil sketch by Mercier of the present composition was previously on the art market in London.
When the present picture was offered at auction in 1990, John Ingamells confirmed it to be by Mercier on the basis of photographs, dating it to the 1730s and noting Chardin's influence. An oil sketch by Mercier of the present composition was previously on the art market in London.