PHARAMOND BLANCHARD | Paul et Virginie

Private collection, France (by 1989)
Private collection, New York

New Orleans, Museum of Art; New York, Stair Sainty Matthiesen; Cincinnati, Taft Museum of Art, Romance and Chivalry: Literature and History Reflected in Early Nineteenth Century Painting, 1996-97, no 3, illustrated in the catalogue

Peintures des lointains: La Collection du musée du quai Branly Jacques Chirac, exh. cat., 2018, p. 35, cited; p. 36, fig. 10, illustrated

The canvas has a very old relining which has possibly been done by the artist himself, and is securely attached to a keyed wooden stretcher which appears to be of the period. There is a pattern of fine craquelure throughout, however this is not too distracting to the naked eye. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals some small spots of retouching in the centre of the upper framing edge and one small spot in the palm tree to the left. Some isolate, fine lines of in-painting are also visible notably in the sky. Otherwise, this work presents well and is ready to hang. Presented in a decorative gilt 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."

First published in 1788, Jacques-Henri-Bernardin de Saint-Pierre's novel Pierre et Virginie recounted an idealised vision of life in the French colony of Mauritius, in contrast to the perceived artificiality of European civilization. Highly influential on European culture in the nineteenth century, the Romantic novel gave rise to a huge variety of imagery in both the fine and decorative arts, as explored in a section of the present exhibition at the Musée du Quai Branly (op. cit.). Here Pharamond Blanchard pans out from the figures of Paul and Virginie, to set the couple within a finely detailed exotic botanical setting.