- 122
Charles Le Brun
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description
- Charles Le Brun
- A double sided sheet of studies, probably for a DepositionRecto: Two head studies and a figure studyverso: A study of a man on a ladder
- Red and black chalk heightened with white, within partial brown ink framing lines (recto); Red chalk (verso)
Provenance
E. Calando (L.837),
his sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 11-12 December 1899, part of lot 239 (as Jouvenet), for 69 fr, to Broutet;
Peter Wick, Boston, Mass.
his sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, 11-12 December 1899, part of lot 239 (as Jouvenet), for 69 fr, to Broutet;
Peter Wick, Boston, Mass.
Condition
Window mounted on japan paper. There are two old repairs to the sheet, the first below the chin of the upper figure, recto, the second below the chin of the lower right figure, recto, although these are only noticeable when the sheet is held up to a direct light. There is some slight discolouration to the sheet, particularly to the upper edge, recto, and a small light brown stain to the chest of the upper figure, recto. The medium is fresh throughout.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Although this drawing cannot be directly linked to Le Brun's well known portrayal of the Descent from the Cross,1 the two head studies as well as the study of a man leaning forward, which all feature on the recto of this fine sheet, do clearly relate to a depiction of this subject. Equally, the rapidly drawn figure study of a man standing on a ladder, verso, further supports such a connection, as this must surely be a study for a figure ascending a ladder to release Christ’s body from the Cross.
A number of preparatory drawings for the Rennes painting can be found in the collection of the Louvre,2 with the vast majority, similarly to the present work, executed in Le Brun’s characteristic combination of red and black chalk with touches of white.
1. Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rennes, inv. no. 811-1-1
2. See L. Beauvais, Charles Le Brun, 1619-1690, Paris 2000, pp. 389-391, nos. 1354-1362, all reproduced