Charles Amédée Philippe van Loo

The canvas is relined. This picture is in the lovely condition and can be hung in its current state. UV light reveals some minor scattered retouches beneath an otherwise uniform and slightly dull varnish. These retouches are small but are mostly isolated to the upper top edge and a few in the sky as well as at the base of the statue at the right. There are a couple of even more minor retouches just above this varnish at the lower edge of the composition and a couple scattered in the middle of the painting. These retouches are quite minor and again the picture could be hung in its current condition, although a light clean to remove the older varnish could also be undertaken to good result. In a carved gilt wood frame.
"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."

This vibrant sketch is almost certainly the presentation modello submitted to Frederick II of Prussia for the completed School of Athens which van Loo painted for the King's Sans-Souci palace in 1748.  Born into a family of artists, van Loo was the son of Jean-Baptiste van Loo and the nephew of Carle van Loo.  He studied in Italy and returned to Paris for only a short time before being offered the position of "Painter to His Prussian Majesty."