Alexandre Dumas son (1824-1895);
His sale, Paris, Hôtel Drouot, March 28, 1865, no. 35, as by Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Les Deux Amis (sold 900 French francs).

J. Martin et Ch. Masson, Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre peint et dessiné de Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Paris, 1908, p. 59, no. 941.

Panel is uncradled, flat, and bevelled on all four sides. Painting presents a charming image with nice retention of coloration. Painting is under a glossy varnish. U.V. reveals retouches scattered here and there throughout the composition. In a carved and gilt wood frame.
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.

When sold in 1865, the present painting was desrcibed in the sale catalogue as follows: "Les Deux Amis by Greuze of a young child and a dog has all the grace and feeling characteristic oꦉf the painter so dear to Diderot, the fi🤡rst art critic in the modern sense that we have known."