Private Collection, Spain
Private Collection, Buffalo (acquired from the above in circa 1930)
🐼Thenꦛce by descent through the family to the present owner

The following condition report was kindly provided by Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc.: This painting has been lined using glue as an adhesive. Although the canvas is slightly wavy, the paint layer is stable and can be tightened. The paint layer is most likely a little dirty and will respond well to cleaning. Under ultraviolet light there are some retouches visible on the extreme edges addressing frame abrasion, yet in the picture itself there appears to be no abrasion or paint loss of any kind. There is a small scratch in the upper left and a few dots in the curtain in the upper left which have been retouched. The picture is overall in lovely condition.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

While dating from 1880, the present work depicts Marie Louise Munier, the daughter of the artist, as she appeared around 1876.  One of William Bouguereau's most accomplished students, Munier was skilled at modeling the human figure though his faces are less idealized in recording the individual characteristics of his own children. This charming warmth of the present composition reflects the happy atmosphere of Munier's household, particularly cherished in an era🧸 when so many children were lost to illness. While Munier's title for this work has been forgotten, the number of variations painted of this subject suggests the composition was one of  the artist's favorites and particularly well rece🦄ived by his patrons.