Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Roger Portalis (L.2232);
sale, New York, Christie's, 30 January 1997, lot 202

Adhered along the upper edge to the remains of an old mount. The sheet has yellowed somewhat and there is evidence of foxing and some minor staining throughout. The sheet has a number of old creases, particularly to the right and lower left edge, as well as an old fold mark running horizontally across the upper half of the sheet. There is a very small tear to the upper right edge. The red chalk medium remains very strong 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.
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.

Academic nudes are quite rare in Greuze's oeuvre, though a drawing of a man, standing, but otherwise holding a similar pose to this, can be linked to a painting in the Musée du Louvre, Paris, entitled The Father's Curse: The Ungrateful Son.¹  That drawing, also done from the model, shows the hands similarly treated.  A further academy study by Greuze depicting two men fighting, on the French art market in 1990,² can also be also be closely compared to this in terms of style.

^1. See E. Munhall, Jean-Baptiste Greuze 1725-1805, exhib. cat., Hartford, Wadsworth Atheneum, 1976, p. 172, fig. 22, reproduced

^2. Sale, Paris, Rieunier-Bailly-Pommery/Arcole, 12 December 1990, lot 62