JEAN-BAPTISTE-CAMILLE COROT | Trois vaches dans un marais

Rostouble, London
Boussot, Valadon et Cie., London (possibly no. 21727; purchased from the above on 23 October 1891)
H. Roberts, London (purchased from the above on 10 March 1892)
Boussot, Valadon et Cie., London (possibly no. 22572; purchased from the above on 24 October 1892)
Frans & Sons Buffa, Amsterdam (purchased from the above, 10 March 1893)
Wouter Johannes van Randwijk, The Hague (possibly purchased from the above; his sale: Frederik Muller & Co, Amsterdam, 11 April 1916, lot 8. (1837 - 1913; van Randwijk opened his first bookshop in 1862 and continued a successful business as a publisher until 1909. In time, he put together an impressive collection comprising Barbizon and The Hague School paintings. Upon his death, some fourteen pictures were donated to the Rijksmuseum. The rest of the collection was sold at auction.)
Purchased at the above sale by the great-grandfather of the present owners; thence by descent

Rotterdam, Academie van Beeldende Kunsten en Technische Wetenschappen, Tentoonstelling der collectie schilderijen, aquarellen en teekeningen, toebehoorende aan W.J. van Randwijk, 1908-1909, no. 8 or 9

André Schoeller, Jean Dieterle, Corot – premier supplément a ″L’Oeuvre de Corot″ par A. Robaut et Moreau-Nélaton, Paris, 1948, p. 74 & 75, no. 67, catalogued & illustrated
J. F. Heijbroek, 'De Collectie Van Randwijk En Het Rijksmuseum', in Bulletin Van Het Rijksmuseum, vol. 39, no. 4, 1991, p. 497, no. 15, catalogued & illustrated

The panel appears flat, even, and ensuring a stable support. There is some very fine, hairline craquelure throughout, only visible upon close inspection. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals one small stroke of retouching in the centre of the extreme right framing edge and some finely applied in-painting in the cow in the centre of the composition. Otherwise, this work appears to be in good condition and is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt frame. Close inspection shows that Corot must have signed the work over an earlier, larger, partially effaced signature. Both signatures appear to be below the varnish.
"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."

Painted circa 1865-70.