Sir John Lavery, R.A., R.S.A., R.H.A. 1856-1941

London, The Fine Art Society

STRUCTURE This picture is in good condition with vibrant colours and areas of rich impasto and a stable paint surface. The panel is sound and has not warped and there are no signs of craquelure. There are a few horizontal cracks in the paint surface which have been recently restored and are now only visible upon very close inspection. The cracks are more apparent in the catalogue illustration as the photograph was taken before the restoration was undertaken. The picture is clean and ready to hang. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There appear to be retouchings to the areas corresponding with the forementioned cracks. There is also an area of retouching to the bottom left edge of the picture. These retouchings have been expertly and sensitively made and are not visible to the naked eye. FRAME Held in a simple carved wood and gilt 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."

Lavery spent much of the years 1883 to 1884 in the ancient French village of Grez to the south of Fontainebleu. The area housed a number of like-minded artists at this time including a number of the Glasgow Boys. Lavery fondly remembered these as being his 'happiest days in France' which is reflected in the art which he produced. Perhaps the best known of his works at this time is The Bridge at Grez of 1883. This period shows Lavery incorporating more sophistication in his work in terms of space and especially atmospheric effects which can clearly be seen in the present work. Lavery spent much of his time experimenting with painting en plein air and produced a number of similar studies in this manner. The picture exudes sunshine with its bright palette and is rendered in a way which is indicative of the artist's unique skills.