French School, 18th Century

Study of a Putto
Unsigned, with collector's mark (see below) l.l.
Red chalk with touches of red wash on watermarked white antique laid paper, 12 3/8 x 18 1/8 in. (31.5 x 46.0 cm), matted, unframed.
Condition: Small restored losses to u.r. and l.l. corners and some edges, old center crease, minor handling creases, hinged to back mat in two places along the top edge of the reverse.

Provenance: Charles Gasc (Lugt 543); through to Madeleine Zweifel, London; Sold at Sotheby's London, November 27, 1974, as Attributed to Grueze; Sold at Sotheby's London, April 3, 1995 as French School, 18th Century; to the current private collection.

N.B. The French red chalk technique of cross-hatching is reminiscent of Jean Baptiste Greuze (French, 1725-1805), and the drawing was once attributed to Greuze. The pose suggests a specific use in composition or perhaps sculpture.

Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.