Fée Hellès, Paris
Thence by descent to the present owner

The medium is oil on canvas, the canvas is not lined. The work is in good overall condition with the exception of a small surface scratch in the mother's hair, about 1/2 in. in length. There is some frame abrasion visible along the right edge. There are a few small dark specks of accretion scattered throughout and other surface dirt. There is some very minor and faint paint separation mostly in the child's shirt. There is some mild minor cracquelure across the center, visible in the figure of the child. In the extreme upper visible edge, just next to the right corner, a tiny nail head is visible. Under UV: there is some older inpainting in the top-most portion of the left visible edge, descending 2 to 3 inches downward from the corner. The work presents well.
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.

Fée Helles taught a dance method inspired by Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan. Françoise Gilot began studying with her when she was fifteen and continued for thirty years. Lots 78 and 79 were acquired by Fée Hellès in Paris, and were later in the collection her daughter Maia Hellès Aaron, who taught the same dance method as her mother, in New York.