Estate of the artist
Thence by descent to the present owner

Strasbourg, Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire de Strasbourg, Maritain et les artistes. Rouault, Cocteau, Chagall..., 2016, no. 17, illustrated in the catalogue p. 44
Tokyo, Panasonic Shiodome Museum & Osaka, Abeno Harukas Art Museum, Rouault et Matisse, 2017, no. 6, illustrated in the catalogue p. 8

Pierre Courthion, Georges Rouault suivi d'un catalogue établi avec la collaboration d'Isabelle Rouault, Paris, 1962, illustrated p. 41
Bernard Dorival & Isabelle Rouault, Rouault, L'Œuvre peint, Monte Carlo, 1988, vol. I, no. 24, illustrated p. 26

Tracing paper laid down on cardboard. The sheet is timestained. The tracing paper has sustained some damage and has been folded in two places across the centre of the composition. There is a area of repaired loss to the paper surface (approx. 22 cm long) to the centre part of the right edge and a further area of repaired loss to the lower left edge (approx. 30 cm long) and further repaired losses to the upper left and lower right corners. There are areas of loss to the paper surface in places, in particular to the right and lower edges and there are some repaired tears in places, in particular to the drapery of the figure. There is some staining along the edges and some further staining to the drapery. This work is in overall fair 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. 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."

Dating from 1894, L'Enfant Jésus parmi les docteurs is a work that is as delicate as it is historical. A preparatory sketch by the young Rouault for the Prix de Rome, and kept today at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Colmar, the page is haloed in sfumato, evocative of the atmosphere of works by Gustave Moreau, his master. The preciousness of the ink drawing bears the trace of Redon's influence.