WORKSHOP OF FRANÇOIS BOUCHERPARIS 1703 - 1770 | The obliging shepherd

A l’œil nu : Le tableau se présente dans un état de conservation moyennement satisfaisant. La toile a fait l’objet d’un ancien rentoilage à la cire, et la toile est un peu lâche sur son châssis. Au dos, des bouts de tissu (environ six) sont collés pour raccommoder des anciens accidents. Des lacunes sont à regretter dans le coin supérieur droit et le long des bords ; la marque du châssis est visible dans le réseau de craquelures. La toile est couverte d’un réseau de craquelures assez prononcées. Quelques craquelures dans le ciel ont été reprises sur la droite. Le tableau est couvert d’un ancien vernis jauni qui mériterait d’être nettoyé afin de rendre au tableau son potentiel décoratif. A la lampe U.V. : Le tableau apparaît sous un ancien vernis vert épais. Vendu avec un cadre en bois peint en doré (altérations et éclats). The painting is in a moderate condition. With the naked eye: The canvas has an old wax relining which is somewhat loose on its stretcher and also carries some patches (about 6) glued on the reverse probably mending old damages. Paint losses in the upper right corner and along the edges; stretcher marks are visible in the craquelure pattern. Covered with a coarse craquelure pattern and some retouching to the craquelure can be seen in the sky area on the right. Covered with a yellowed and old varnish layer. Would benefit from a nice restoration. Under UV light: The old varnish layer fluoresces almost completely, showing only paintlosses upper right. Offered with a wooden gold painted frame (damages and chips).
"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."

We are grateful to M. Alastair Laing for his help cataloguing this lot.

Our painting is a copy after Boucher's over-door panel, considered his first pastoral, painted for the Hôtel de Soubise in 1738.  Our painting is a copy by a student of Boucher trained in the master's atelier in his early manner, recognisable by a great freedom of touch. In comparison with the original, our version is of reduced size and there are several differences, such as, for example, the colour of the figures' garments as well as some variants in the vegetation in the background. According to Alastair Laing, it may therefore be a copy made after a drawing, which may explain the difference in the coloration of the garments.