Attributed to CHARLES LE BRUN (French 1619-1690) "Crossing the Red Sea" After Poussin Oil on canvas 62 1/2 x 84 inches / 158.75 x 213.36 cm Frame 74 x 95 inches Provenance: Sold at the London Christie's Robert Strange sale on March 5, 1773 (lot 107); the work was purchased by someone named Parsons and then perhaps acquired by Sir Thomas Rumbold for his home, Woodhall Park. It may then have passed to Samuel Smith, who purchased Woodhall and its contents in 1801. Alternatively, it may have been acquired by his heir, Able Smith, when he inherited and redecorated the estate in 1834, for he had the painting reframed by Smith and Son, a leading London framer. "The Crossing the Red Sea" remained in the house until the family sold it and dispersed its contents in 1931 at which time it was evidently re-attributed to Poussin. The parents of the present owners purchased it from Butterfield & Butterfield San Francisco in the 1960's. This information was gathered thanks to the research of Lynn Roberts and Sarah Grandin. Currently being offered by the Estate of Charles and Aida McLeran. Literature: Piece was discussed in an article by Laurie Benson and Carl Villis "The Crossing of the Red Sea in the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne". Condition: Overall condition is very good for its age. A horizontal crease 17 1/2 inches from the top of the canvas running the full length of the painting. A 4 inch vertical line of inpainting upper right in 7 inches from the right hand side. Inpainting in the upper most mountain edge upper left. Small area of inpainting in the lower right hand figures hair and face. Inpainting in the hair of the two crouching figures lower center. Over all colors are muted due to the slight yellowing of the varnish. Canvas is relined. Painting has been re-varnished, possible areas of inpainting that can not be seen.