François Lemoyne (Paris 1688-1737)

Several existing works relate to the present lot: a painting, started by Lemoyne and completed by Charles Natoire in 1738 (Arles, Hôtel de Ville; oil on canvas, 141¾ x 161 3/8 inches); a preparatory drawing for the present lot (Poitiers, Musée des Beaux-Arts; pen and ink with black chalk heightened with white gouache on grayish paper, 9½ x 14 inches); and individual figure studies made in preparation for this painting (Paris, Cabinet des Dessins, Louvre).