Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
We are grateful to Alastair Laing for endorsing the attribution to Boucher on the basis of photographs and for suggesting that this painting is the artist's first idea, with differences, for his painting of circa 1730 in the Speed Art Museum, Louisville. Post Lot Text This lot is offered without reserve which will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of the pre-sale estimate.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
The canvas is supported with a glue lining and the paint is stable on the support. Some impasto has been preserved and the artist’s brushwork remains appreciable. Under natural light, the varnish is yellowed and slightly cloudy. There is a fine craquelure visible in places. A small scuff is visible over the leg of the second lamb at lower left. Under ultraviolet light, four ½ inch areas fluoresce at upper left, along with a 2 inch area in the center of the sky. Another 2 inch area fluoresces to the left of the standing child. Scattered touches and lines of strengthening fluoresce on the lower right quadrant of the painting, particularly over the darker shadows. Scattered smaller touches fluoresce here and there. The painting presents well, and could be displayed as is.
Cost calculator
Lot 81Sale 19030
The FountainAttributed to François Boucher (Paris 1703-1770)Estimate: USD 6,000 - 8,000
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