Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, R.W.S. 1871-1945

SURFACE: The colours are strong and vivid and a few faint spots of foxing appear mainly to the far left, in the centre. This watercolour should benefit from a gentle clean. FRAME: As catalogue illustration suggests with a few small chips. COLOUR COMPARISON: Colours are slightly darker than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"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."

The poet Petrarch, whose original name was Francesco Petrarca and who had been expelled from Florence with his family by the Black Guelphs in 1312, met the young woman to whom he addressed his love poetry, calling her Laura, in Avignon in 1327. Her true identity is unknown, and yet she is immortalised as the object of his undying love, as described in the series of poems in which he praises her beauty and sweetness of character. These are collected together as 'Rime Sparse'.

Fortescue-Brickdale shows Laura half-length and holding a posy of anemones at her breast. She seems to stand on a terrace within the shadow of an unseen building. The expanse of water that forms the middle ground is presumably intended to signify the Rhone. In the distance, standing on a hill, is seen the curtain walls and turrets of an Angevin castle, inspired by the medieval architecture of Provence.
CSN