Jean Raoux

Possibly sold, Paris, Durand, 25 March 1822, lot 1 (as one of a pair);
With Wildenstein, Paris, 1930;
Anonymous sale, Paris, Galerie Charpentier, André Vincent, 26 May 1933, lot 31 (as one of a pair);
With Newhouse Galleries, New York (according to a label on the reverse);
Earl Spring, United States;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 29 November 1974, lot 63.

G. Bataille, "Raoux," in L. Dimier, Les Peintres français du XVIIIe siècle. Histoire des vies et catalogue des œuvres, 1928-1930, vol. II, pp. 267-282, no. 1.40;
A. P. de Mirimonde, "Scènes de genre musicales de l'école française au XVIIIe siècle dans les collections nationales," Revue du Louvre, no. 1, 1968, p. 15, fig. 6;
M-C. Heck and G. Faroult, Jean Raoux 1677-1734: un peintre sous la Régence, Paris 2009, p. 196-7, cat. no. 28, reproduced p. 57, fig. 5.
ENGRAVED
J. Guillaume

The canvas is relined. This picture is in overall very healthy condition and could be hung in its current state. The paint surface has a clean if somewhat uneven varnish. UV light reveals only a couple isolated scattered retouches, namely to the left of the face of the standing figure at right, and in the hair of the middle seated figure. 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."

Taking inspiration from Dutch seventeenth century painters such as Johannes Vermeer and Caspar Netscher, Jean Raoux painted a number of interior scenes featuring groups of singers and musicians.  The present painting features two women in song at center, and a young flutist behind them.  To the right is a young man singing along and perhaps directing the group with his gestures.  The charming scene is full of elegant details which reinforce the extravagance of the setting, including a gilt table, luxurious curtains and fabrics in the clothing, and a sculpture in a garden setting beyond.  

Raoux repeats the motif of the two women at center in another painting, now in the Musée Languedocien in Montpellier.¹  In that work, there is a giltwood piano open in the right foreground, and the jewelry and hairstyle of the seated woman are slightly different. 


1. Les Petites Musiciennes, oil on canvas,  inv. no. 939.1.2.  See M-C. Heck and G. Faroult, under Literature, p. 132-33, cat. no. 29.