Firmin Massot

Jacques Chenevière, Hauterive, Cologny (from a label on the reverse);
Anonymous sale, Geneva, Bernard Piguet, Hôtel des Ventes, 11 October 2006, lot 965.

Geneva, Musée d'art et d'histoire de Genève, Exposition d'oeuvres du peintre genevois Firmin Massot (1766-1849) appartenant à des collections privées, 1927, no. 72.

Relined and under a yellowed varnish. Overall the painting is in very good state with lovely retention of detail. There is a fine craquelure pattern with is not distracting. Under UV light: only a few tiny dots of retouching can be seen in right side of her hair, another retouch at upper center and at extreme lower right and left corners. Painting could be hung as is, but would benefit from a light cleaning and fresh varnish. In a carved and gilt wood frame with a stylized leaf pattern.
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.

We are grateful to Valérie Louzier-Gentaz for confirming this portrait to be by Massot.  She dates it to circa 1810.  Andrienne Bourdillon was married in 1812 to Jean-Jacques-Caton Chenevière (1783-1871), the noted theologist who taught at the Academy of Geneva, where he also served as rector.