- 3
John Riley Wilmer
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- John Riley Wilmer
- Piccarda
- signed and dated l.r.: J RILEY WILMER 1919; inscribed, titled in a cartouche and signed on the reverse: Number I./ PICCARDA/ JOHN RILEY WILMER./ "GAYHURST.," PENNANCE ROAD.,/ FALMOUTH., CORNWALL.
- oil on canvas
- 123 by 192cm., 48½ by 75½in.
Exhibited
London, Royal Academy, 1919, no.289
Condition
The canvas is original and has not been lined. There are some areas of very fine craquelure in the figures, this is only visible on very close inspection. There is a small patch on the reverse of the upper right hand corner. There are some specks of surface dirt and a slightly discoloured layer of surface varnish. Otherwise the work appears to be in good condition.
UV reveals a small area of retouching corresponding to the aforementioned patch in the upper right hand corner. There are no further signs of any retouching or restoration.
Held in a gilt plaster frame.
"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
Piccarda is a character from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Sister of Corso Donati and of Dante's friend Forese Donati, she was the first person encountered by Dante in Paradise and the only person he recognised unaided. During her life she lived as a nun in a convent but was forced by her brother into an unhappy marriage with a Florentine man to strengthen her family’s political ambitions. Wilmer depicts her in the convent garden surrounded by monks, nuns and townspeople.