- 157
Joseph Mallord William Turner, R.A.
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Joseph Mallord William Turner, R.A.
- Beech Trees at Cassiobury Park, Hertfordshire
- Brown and grey washes over pencil
- 235 by 374 mm
Provenance
R. Strauss;
with The Fine Art Society, London;
sale, London, Christie’s, 21 November 2002, lot 41
with The Fine Art Society, London;
sale, London, Christie’s, 21 November 2002, lot 41
Condition
This work has remained well preserved. Turner has used stable pigments such as grey and black washes which are still strong. The paper has not discoloured and the original balance of the composition has not been disturbed. The sheet not been laid down but is attached to a back board at the edges verso.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This watercolour can be dated to circa 1796 and shows some of the majestic trees at Cassiobury Park, near Watford. This estate belonged to George, 5th Earl of Essex, who was to become an important patron of the young artist. In 1795, when still Viscount Malden, he commissioned Turner to paint five watercolours of his then house Hampton Court, Hertfordshire1 and then, in 1807, he ordered four more watercolours, this time of Cassiobury Park itself.2 In addition to his collection of works on paper, he owned three oil paintings by Turner.3
The present work is a fine example of Turner’s watercolour technique at this stage in his life. The foliage of the trees is rendered with a light and feathery touch, while the draughtsmanship underneath is particularly refined. The restrained palette echoes that which he had perfected while regularly visiting Dr Thomas Monro’s ‘Academy’ during the mid-1790s.
The present work is a fine example of Turner’s watercolour technique at this stage in his life. The foliage of the trees is rendered with a light and feathery touch, while the draughtsmanship underneath is particularly refined. The restrained palette echoes that which he had perfected while regularly visiting Dr Thomas Monro’s ‘Academy’ during the mid-1790s.
1. A. Wilton, The Life and Work of J.M.W. Turner, Fribourg 1979, nos. 182-186
2. Ibid., nos. 189-192
3. M. Butlin and E. Joll, The Paintings of J.M.W. Turner, New Haven and London 1984, nos. 63, 74 and 92