Talbot Hughes R.O.I., P.S.

Nicholson (and sold: Parke-Bernet, New York, March 31, 1962, lot 35)
Christina Wren Gallery (acquired at the above sale)
Acquired by the present owner's father, circa 1960s
Thence by descent to the present owner (his daughter)

On a stable panel, under UV: varnish fluoresces, pindots of old inpainting to her face and neck, ½ by ½ inch spot of inpainting beneath her belt, few pindots of inpainting underneath her skirt, a few pindots of inpainting to cupid's head and shoulder, name "Arthur" fluoresces at lower left corner.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Path of True Love Never Did Run Smooth was most likely painted by British artist Talbot Hughes, the son of the still-life artist William Hughes and the brother of the landscape painter H. Hughes-Stanton. Hughes lived in London and exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1871 to 1903. His subjects ranged from allegorical themes to genre paintings, however, his ability to render idealized feminine beauty was profound and wholly evident in The Path of True Love Never Did Run Smooth.

 

There are many themes present in The Path of True Love Never Did Run Smooth - from the cupid, with his mask (perhaps symbolic of fate or destiny) and golden handcuffs, the virtues painted in gold around the maiden's dress, the snake at her feet, her snagged gown. Some of the titles of Hughes's submissions to the Royal Academy included Temptation (1899),"Fate leads the willing, and the unwilling drags" (1900) and The Road of Love (1900). All of these titles are suggestive of the present work, pointing to Hughes's preoccupation with the trials and tribulations of romantic love.

 

Sometime before its sale at Park-Bernet Galleries in 1962, the name "Arthur" was perhaps added to the signature on The Path of True Love Never Did Run Smooth to suggest it was painted by the more well-known Pre-Raphaelite artist. Figure 1 is compelling visual evidence that the present work was in fact painted by Talbot Hughes. In addition to his vocation as an artist, Hughes was a well-known collector of Spanish portrait miniatures, and the Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadelphia mounted an exhibition of his collection in 1988.