Workshop of Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Sale Ader-Picard-Tajan, Paris, Palais Galliera, 7 June 1974, lot 21 bis "Prière du matin (la duchesse d'Angoulême au Temple ?)"

A l'oeil nu, le tableau est dans un bel état de conservation. Il a fait l'objet d'un réentoilage dans la première moitié du XXe siècle, un peu fort. On constate une couture de toile horizontale sur toute la longueur au centre sous le visage. Il est sous un vernis ancien qui a besoin d'être allégé. On ne constate pas de restauration à l'oeil nu. A la lampe UV : Le tableau est sous un vernis vert uniforme. Il y a des reprises le long de la couture de la toile. On constate de très légères reprises dans le fond au-dessus de la tête. Une reprise également traversant la chevelure près de l'oeil gauche. To the naked eye, the painting is in a beautiful condition. It has been relined in the first half of the XXth century in a bit harsh way that flattened the painted surface. We see a horizontal canvas stitch on the entire canvas under the face of the figure. It is under an old varnish which needs to be lightened. We can not see any restoration to the naked eye. Under the UV light, the painting is under an even varnish. We see some small restorations along the stitch. There is also a small restoration in the hair of the character near his left eye.
"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."