STUDIO OF LOUIS MICHEL VAN LOOTOULON 1707 - 1771 PARIS | Presumed portrait of the Duke de La Ferté Saint-Nectaire

Probably in the family of the sitter and thence by descent.

The painting has been relined, rather stiffly. The painted surface seems to be in a reasonable condition. A repaired damage of circa 5x7 cm can be seen along the upper left side. Further discoloured retouchings can be seen in the background, a larger one of 3cm in the curtain centre right. Two scratches of 4cm each can be seen: one on the helmet lower left and one in the blue ribbon lower left, with some paint losses around. We can see a small area of paint loss in the lower part of the blue sleeve of the figure's left arm. The painted surface is covered with a dirty varnish layer and with a fine craquelure pattern, with a more clear craquelure pattern showing the horizontal and vertical stretcher marks. Some thinness can be observed in the darker areas of the composition. Under UV light The varnish layer fluoresces somewhat showing various retouchings in the dark background, and the one mentioned above, some in the figure's clothes and a few minor ones in his face. Offered with a carved and giltwood frame. Please note that Sotheby’s does not guarantee the condition of the 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."

Another version of this portrait was on the Italian art market in 1995 (Galleria d’Arte S. Carlo, Cuneo; see catalogue of their exhibition Dipinti Antichi Maestri del 700-800-900, 18 November – 24 December 1995, as Carle van Loo).