Interior cover signed Renoir, Label reads "Giuseppe Biasutti presso la regia accademia N. 1024 Venezia Deposito Oggetti per pittura E disegno. "The sketch book contains twenty six pages within the front and rear cover. The inside of the front cover is dated 1881, signed Renoir. Also on the inside front cover is writing in French. Some of the words that can be made out are Italia, Naples, but there are many additional words. The inside front and rear covers both have sketches, more so on the front inside cover. The first nineteen pages appear to be in a light linen color. The next seven pages appears to be possibly of a different color, possible from fading over time. Within the first nineteen pages, (38 sides), approximately eight pages are blank. There are numerous sketches within the book. There are many studies in figures. The pages contain studies of a woman, buildings, landscapes, child, woman and child, and a woman's foot. There are many drawings or sketches to include similar subject matter with a repeated theme of woman and child and buildings. Additional photos upon request. Measures 8.25" x 5.5"Provenance and history: From the Estate of Yvette Poher, Poconos, PA, Ms. Poher lived and was employed in Manhattan, NY for about 40 years. She was employed by the famed and well known artist John Koch and his wife Dora Koch. Over the years Ms. Koch received many gifts from the Kochs. Mr. Koch Lived is Paris, France for five years before moving to Manhattan, NY in 1934. While in Paris he studied the great masters at the Louvre Museum. It is believed he acquired the book there or while residing in Manhattan, Maybe a purchase or maybe a gift from another famed artist. They frequently held lavish cocktail parties in their El Dorado living room. He did portraits for the likes of Malcom Forbes, several members of the Roosevelt family, and Princess Margaret. The book was then passed to the family, then came to SVA. Consignment: Upon being consigned to SVA, we were thrilled. We performed all do diligence to authenticate the sketch book. Once in our possession we showed the book to one of out affiliates. He too was impressed with the quality and character of the book. He recommended that the book be looked at by someone who specializes in Renoirs. At this point we took many photos, (high definition), and sent them to Christi's, NY on Feb. 22, 2012. After a period of time we contacted Christie's client services. At this time they informed us it did meet the minimum value requirement. They would not give any other information. They would not give us any indication whether they felt the piece was authentic or a well done copy in the manor of Renoir. Next step: We then proceeded to find and contact Bernheim-Jeune in Paris, France. They instructed us that we would have to take many photos of the book in high definition, in both color and black and white. These would have to be sent to Paris to be inspected for authentication. This process took nearly a year. Upon receiving a letter from them, they informed us of the following. They could not do any further authentication unless we, (or the consignor) paid a hefty fee in the amount of 1,900 Euros. After reviewing this with the consignor, they decided this was something that they were not interested in doing and felt the book should stand on it's own. Due to the history of the book in the Poher family they believe it to be genuine and authentic. SVA as the auction company of record knows that there are facsimiles of Renoir sketchbooks based on our three years of research. We have however been given the provenance and have all the history since in our procession. We believe this to be authentic, but as the buyer, ultimately it is your decision to make on or about it's authenticity. Saucon Valley Auction is not a recognized authority on works by this artist. We have consulted many experts in the field to review the sketchbook and photos of the piece. We did put the book and photos out there for art experts to examine. Our art expert and affiliate looked at it, and we performed what he recommended. Having a piece of fine art authenticated takes time, due diligence, and is not always an exact science. Not all experts have the same opinion. The Renoir sketchbook appears to the best of our ability to be authentic, but we leave this final decision to you and your expertise. The style, the signature, the date, the composition all appear to be authentic and of the period. Before bidding please be sure to have read all of the provided information and are comfortable in the piece's authenticity. The final decision rests with you, if you have any other questions that need to be addressed please let us know