Theophile Evariste Fragonard (1806-1876, French), "The Secret Letter," oil on canvas, signed l.r., framed, H.- 48 in., W.- 80 in.

Condition consistent with age and use. Not examined out of frame. Canvas may have been relined. A raised vertical strip of approximately ¼ inch height is seen along the edges, sometimes obscured by the frame. Paint application appears thicker in some areas along the edges. Areas of moderate craquelure are seen throughout the center of the painting, surrounding and on the figure's face and torso. Entire canvas fluoresces under UV light. A few small scattered areas of apparent inpainting are noted to the figure's face, neck, torso, and arms. A remarkable portrait. Note - Verbal Provenance: The consignor's family purchased the painting in England around the 1980s. Following a minor accident, the painting was sent to restorers in New York, where a layer of paint was removed, revealing differences in the figure, the dog and the note. In the original painting, the girl had black hair without ribbons, her dress was shorter and the background was different. ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD "AS IS." NO STATEMENT REGARDING CONDITION OF ANY ITEM, WHETHER IT IS MADE ORALLY AT THE AUCTION OR ANY OTHER TIME, OR IN WRITING IN THE CATALOGUE OR ELSEWHERE, SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION, OR ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITY.