Anonymous sale, Paris, Palais Galliéra, Maître Maurice Rheims, 28 June 1962, lot 158, when acquired by the family of the present owners.

The painting is warmer in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The signed canvas has an old but still effective relining which has not affected the beautifulcondition and impasto. The paint surface is clean, and secure with only a slight craquelure in the sky. To the naked eye the painting appears in exceleent condition. Inspection under UV light confirms the goos condition with only very minor strengthenigns flourescing. Offered in a carved and gilt wood frame in good condition. Ready to hang.
"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."

The motif of the overhanging rocks and the wayfarers beneath, silhouetted strongly against the evening sunshine, was used by Pillement in other works of this period; compare, for example, his Landscape of 1791 now in a private collection (for which see M. Gordon-Smith, Pillement, Cracow 2006, p. 258, reproduced fig. 251). A similar undated pastel, but with a more rocky terrain, is in the Louvre, Paris.