Lot 38: ALEXANDRE-FRANÇOIS DESPORTES | A banquet still-life with oysters, figs, peaches, radishes and a melon together with bread, wine, glasses and gold and silver platters

Oil on canvas

74 x 92 cm ; 29 1/8 by 36 1/4 in.

Oil on canvas

A l’œil nu : Le tableau se présente dans un bel état. Il a fait l’objet d’un rentoilage correctement réalisé, et d’un nettoyage datant de la seconde moitié du XXe siècle. A la lampe U.V. : On remarque quelques petites et légères reprises éparses : au niveau de certaines feuilles de radis, du verre en cristal couvert, et du panier à huîtres. De petites retouches sont visibles au niveau des feuilles des pêches (les pêches étant bien conservées). On remarque une restauration de 0,5 cm de diamètre dans une des huîtres ouvertes. Quelques reprises sont visibles sur la table, autour du couteau. To the naked eye: The painting appears to be in a very nice condition and has been correctly relined and cleaned, on the 2nd half of the 20th century. Under U.V. light: We can notice some small and scattered very light repaints: on some radish leaves, on the crystal cover glass, and the oyster’s basket. Small retouchings are visible in the leaves of the peaches (the peaches themselves are well preserved). We notice one restoration of circa 0,5 cm diameter on one of the opened oysters. Some restorations are visible on the table, around the knife.
"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."

P. Jacky, François Desportes (1661-1743), thèse de doctorat, dactylographiée, Université de Paris IV-Sorbonne, 9 vol., Paris, 1999, t. IV, p. 801 ;
P. Jacky et G. de Lastic, Desportes Catalogue Raisonné, St-Rémy-en-l'Eau 2010, p. 223, no. P 804, repr. (as 'Meagre breakfast or lunch' and dated circa 1739).

With Derek Johns, London, 1997-1999.