Attribué à Jean-Baptiste Oudry

Gustave Soulier (L.1215a)

The edges of the sheet are currently covered by the mount and it is not possible to determine the manner in which the sheet has then been hinged to the backing. There is evidence of very minor foxing throughout and a small brown stain to the upper centre and another to the lower centre of the right edge. The black chalk medium remains 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."

The pose of the male figure in the present sketch, relates very closely to that of the valet located in the right foreground of a tapestry designed by Oudry depicting On découple la vieille meute au carrefour de la Petite Patte d'Oie, Forêt de Compiègne,¹ now housed in the Palazzo Pitti, Florence. The rapidly drawn nature of the present work and the subtle differences in pose between this and the figure in the tapestry would suggest that our drawing was intended as a preliminary study, rather than the final preparatory drawing, for the finished work.

1. H.N. Opperman, J.-B. Oudry, exhib. cat., Galeries nationales du Grand Palais, Paris 1982, pp. 142-143, no. 62, reproduced