French School, early 19th century

The canvas is unlined, the paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish is slightly uneven. There are a few small spots of paint loss, for example in the sitter's hair above his forehead, in his coat collar to his proper right, to the left of his lips, and scattered along the lower margin. The craquelure in the hair above his ear and in certain areas of his coat is quite pronounced. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a thick milky varnish underneath which it is difficult to discern much, but there appear to be small spots of retouching scattered throughout the composition. In overall good condition.
"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."

François-René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848) was an author, historian, politician and diplomat, who was the preeminent literary figure in 19th-century France, and is now considered to be the founder of Romanticism in French literature. Over the course of his political career he served as ambassador to Berlin, London and Rome. He was in clear support of the de Berry family as on the occasion of the assassination of the Duc de Berry in 1820 he wrote the Mémoires sur la vie et la mort du duc, and in 1833, Mémoire sur la captivité de Madame la duchesse de Berry.