Sir David Muirhead Bone, H.R.S.A., H.R.W.S.

P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., London, where bought by Sir David Scott in December 1960 for £21

STRUCTURE The work is on wove paper which has not been laid down. The sheet is attached to the mount by a piece of tape which runs along the upper edge of the verso. The sheet undulates slightly across the surface. There are a few tiny abrasions to the surface of the sheet in the upper right quadrant and in the centre of the sheet just above the lower edge. There are two small creases in the lower right corner. The edges of the sheet have been slightly stained by the mount. SURFACE The surface of the sheet is in good overall condition. FRAME Held under glass and presented within a cream mount in a simple wooden rectilinear 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."

'To those who knew Hyde Park in the 1890s this little piece of the North East corner of the Serpentine is wonderfully evocative'. Sir David Scott

There is often an almost Continental sophistication to Bone's draughtsmanship, reflecting the influence of French nineteenth century painters on artists trained in the Glasgow school of art.  Such words as insouciance come to mind when viewing the couple in the foreground, and the boating pleasures beyond reflect scenes on the Seine by such artists as Pisarro.  This is a fine drawing of London at the time of the Entente Cordiale.