Lot 126: LOUIS-JEAN DESPREZ | Design for a stage set: The Temple of Neptune

Pen and black ink and watercolour, over traces of black chalk;
bears inscription, verso: Decoration pour Le Temple de Neptune / inventé et Dessiné par Desprez architecte du Roi de Suède / 1792 and further inscribed below, in graphite: (Desprez(1743-1804)

460 by 725 mm

Pen and black ink and watercolour, over traces of black chalk;<br />bears inscription, <em>verso</em>: <em>Decoration pour Le Temple de Neptune</em> / <em>inventé et Dessiné par Desprez architecte du Roi de Suède</em> / <em>1792</em> and further inscribed below, in graphite: <em>(Desprez(1743-1804)</em>

Laid down on card, which in turn has been partially hinge mounted. The sheet has discoloured somewhat and there is evidence of light foxing and surface dirt throughout, most notably to the area of sky. There are some areas of abrasion to the sheet, particularly to its extremities and a number of old repairs to the sheets edges, most notably to the centre right, lower left and upper left edges. There is also an old crease mark to the lower right corner, an old repaired tear to the lower left quarter and an old pin prick hole to the lower right corner. The medium itself is still relatively fresh and the image strong, throughout this impressive work.
"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."

New York, New York Cultural Center, Collectors Anonymous; Four Private New York Collections, 1972

L. Hautecoeur, 'Un dessin de Desprez, architecte', L'Architecture, vol. XXXVIII, no. 19, October 1925, pp. 351-2, reproduced

Mme. Dupuis, Paris;
with Jean de Cayeux, Galerie Cailleux (L.4461);
Claus Virch