Frédéric-Henri Schopin

Probablement, Salon, Paris 1857, n° 2419, Enfance de Paul et Virginie

Relined. Under UV light, un certain number of repaints are visible in the backgrounds, especially on the left part and on the lower right, where a bigger repaint is visible. Retouches are observable on both people on the right; a vertical restorated tear is visible on the right from the church to the bottom of the grass. A few small repaints are visible on the brown-haired lady and on the children. Small repaints are visible on the mother. The matter is thiner in some areas, where we can guess the canvas, especially on the sea on the right. The painting is in a nice frame which is probably original.
"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."

La composition s’inspire du célèbre roman de Bernardin de Saint Pierre, Paul et Virginie, qui connut un immense succès dès sa première publication en 1787. Schopin a peint plusieurs épisodes tirés de ce roman, deux desquels furent exposés au Salon de 1843 à Paris, n° 1091 et 1092. Notre tableau est plus probablement celui qui fut exposé en 1857.