- 17
Craigie Aitchison, R.A.
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description
- Craigie Aitchison, R.A.
- Crucifixion
- oil on canvas
- 35.5 by 28cm., 14 by 11in.
Provenance
Charity Sale, Art Works for London Lighthouse, Christie's, London, 2nd November 1988, lot 32
Condition
The canvas is unlined and in excellent original condition.
The paint surface also appears to be in lovely original condition overall. There is a narrow vertical strip (3 by 0.5cm.) of very fine crazing centre left but this does not appear to be lifting or unstable in any way and does not mar the overall appearance of the work.
Inspection under UV light does not reveal any later retouchings.
Presented behind glass in a substantial moulded gilt wood frame with red border. There is a a small surface chip at the centre of the top edge where a tiny hole has been drilled right through the moulding but it is otherwise in very good and sound condition.
Please note that the background colour is a slightly deeper and more purple in tone than it appears in the catalogue illustration.
"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
Executed in 1988.
Aitchison's religious upbringing and visit to Italy in 1955 on an Italian Government Scholarship cemented the position of the Italian primitives in his work and themes such as the crucifixion have remained constant throughout his career. An unconventional choice for a contemporary painter, Aitchison's treatment of the crucifixion simplifes the event, concentrating on the essential qualities of suffering whilst never losing a sense of humanity and has an appeal which is not specific to any faith. Aitchison's jewel-like colours allow his paintings to glow in a way that is reminiscent of the Old Masters.