Sale: Christie's, London, July 1, 1975, lot 34
The Piccadilly Gallery, London
Acquired from the above in August 1975
Thence by descent

Pierre Courthion, Georges Rouault, Paris, 1962, illustrated p. 287
Bernard Dorival & Isabelle Rouault, Rouault. Tout l'oeuvre peint, vol. II, 🦄Monte-Carlo, 1988, no. 1295, illustrated p. 43 (w🌱ith incorrect medium)

Generally good condition. Executed on laid paper laid down on canvas.Some minor cracking in the figure at right and in the hat of the figure at left. Under UV light, scattered spots in inpainting to address loss, particularly in the reds of the figure at right, in the background between the figures, and just above the bottom edge. Colors: Colors are fairly accurate in the catalogue illustration.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present work is a study for one of the engravings Rouault created for Cirque de l'étoile filante, published by Ambroise Vollard in 1938 (see: François Chapon & Isabelle Rouault, Rouault, Oeuvre gravé, vol. II, Monte-Carlo, 1978, p. 160).