Claude Gillot

Mears;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 30 June 1925, lot 74

Hinge mounted to the upper edge. The sheet has been laid down on paper with the four edges further reinforced, verso. There are some very minor old creases to the sheet, particularly to the lower edge and very minor surface dirt throughout. Otherwise in good condition with the medium strong and vibrant 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."

The present work seems to depict a fantastical fountain design, with an elaborate, rocky arch, atop which a figure of a classical deity, either Apollo or Jupiter, stands in a horse drawn chariot.  The parallel hatching and nervous penwork found in this drawing are both highly characteristic of Gillot's handling of this particular medium and can be compared both stylistically and in subject matter to a drawing in the collection of the Kunstbibliothek, Berlin.¹

We are grateful to Jennifer Tonkovich for confirming the attribution to Gillot.

^1. E. Berckenhagen, Die Französischen Zeichnungen der Kunstbibliothek, Berlin, Berlin 1970, p. 178, fig. 2469,1