Jacques Laurent Agasse

Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 9 April 1997, lot 130.

The picture appears to be in very good condition, with no extant damage or loss of paint. The panel is flat and stable, and the catalogue illustration is representative. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a small amount of very minor retouching in the sky, otherwise the picture appears to be very well preserved. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com.
"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."

At the time of the 1997 sale Renee Loche confirmed the attribution to Agasse and dated this picture to circa 1789-1799, before the artist's departure from Switzerland to England, and suggested that the gentleman depicted may be a self portrait of the artist. The figure can be compared to the portrait of Agasse by both Firmin Massot and Agasse himself.¹

1. See R. Loche, Jacques-Laurent Agasse, 1767-1849, exhibition catalogue, London 1988, reproduced p. 18.