Lot 118
  • 118

Thomas Rowlandson

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description

  • Thomas Rowlandson
  • Place des Victoires, Paris
  • pen and grey ink and watercolour on two sheets, joined
  • ENGRAVED: Etched and published by S. Alken, 1789

Provenance

Dr Joseph R. Goldyne, Cambridge, Massachusetts;
Private Collection, U.S.A.;
Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 14 March 1985, lot 93 (bt. by the present owner)

Exhibited

London, Society of Artists, 1783, no. 223

Literature

Joseph Grego, Rowlandson the Caricaturist, 1880, p.262-266;
John Hayes, Rowlandson Watercolours and Drawings, 1972, p.77, pl. 12 & 13

Condition

Support Rowlandson has used a strong sheet of laid paper to support this watercolour. Another strip has been added at the top at some stage, and in my opinion this additional work is in all probability not by the artist, although it is harmonious. The sheet has been lined with a modern paper. The condition is good, though there is a 10 cm horizontal tear at the foot, centre, and some surface abrasion that has been retouched on the left in the area of the building and another visible scratch on the figure of the fiddler along with other scattered scratches, also retouched. At present the drawing is hinged into an overlay mount. Medium Typically, as this large watercolour has been glazed and displayed for many years, the medium has faded. Note: This work was viewed outside studio conditions.
"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

Rowlandson's humorous and finely drawn watercolour depicts the statue of Louis XIV, built by the Duke de la Feuillade outside his own palace in 1686.