David Roberts, R.A.

Painted in 1827 for Robert Vernon (1775–1849), who paid 60 guineas;
His sale, London, Christie's, 6 May 1842, lot 96, for £38.5s.

London, British Institution, 1827, no. 91.

J. Ballantine, The Life of David Roberts R.A., Edinburgh 1866, pp. 27, 247, no. 19.

The canvas is relined the varnish appears even but discoloured. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye, a distinctive craquelure is visible which is most likely the result of the relining process which has also somewhat pressed the paint surface. The surface is dirty and has some small black accretions throughout. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals very little restoration work, only one small patch of retouching masking an old line of paint loss 1 inch in length, 3 mm wide, running vertically by the awning of the building on the corner of the street at the left. In good overall condition. Offered unframed.
"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."

Vernon was an important collector of British art who presented 157 pictures to the nation in 1847, most of which are now in Tate Britain, London. We are grateful to Krystyna Matyjaszkiewicz for her assistance in the cataloguing of this lot.