Emile Wéry, France (a gift from the artist)
Guillaume Campo, Antwerp
Sale: Palais Galliera, Paris, November 24, 1974, lot 70
Leonard C. Hanna, Jr., New York
Sale: Sotheby's, New York, May 26, 1976, lot 53
Private Collection (acquired at the above sale and sold: Sotheby's, New York, November 8, 2007, lot 154)
Acquired at the above sale

Alfred Barr, Matisse, His Art and His Public, New York, 1951, illustrated p. 297
Gaston Diehl, H. Matisse, Paris, 1954, p. 13

Canvas is lined. Surface is covered with a slightly yellowed layer of varnish and is somewhat dirty. Scattered fine lines of craquelure are visible in the lighter pigments of the depicted sky and water. Under UV light: nailhead-sized spots of inpainting fluoresce at the upper left and upper right corners and a 2-inch repair is visible near the center of the canvas. There are a few minor strokes of inpainting along the lower edges to address prior frame abrasion. Overall the work is in good condition.
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.

This painting displays a dedication to Emile Wéry, a painter and friend of the artist.  Matisse made his acquaintance when they moved into adjacent studios at 19 quai St. Michel in Paris during 1894.  At the invitation and encouragement of Wéry, Matisse traveled during the summer of the following year to Brittany, a popular milieu for many artists at the time.  Matisse completed Le Pont after his return from 🐻Brittany in Octo💜ber of 1895.  The subject is the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf, and the River Seine as seen from the Pont Saint-Michel.