English School

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There is a fresh layer of varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered minor retouching overall, especially in the sky, and and opaque varnish overall. FRAME Held in a carved and gilded British Baroque style 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."

The viewpoint is near the southern end of Christchurch grounds, looking southward across the pond towards the civic church of St Mary-le-Tower, with its stately 176-foot bell tower. Flanking this crenellated tower, in contrast, are two distant windmills. The back of Christchurch mansion appears on the left, and the Round Pond in the grounds of the mansion in the middle foreground.

Paul Sandby painted a very similar view with cattle instead of the charmingly romantic couple we see in the foreground of this painting. Sandby's gouache picture is now on permanent loan to the Christchurch Mansion from Norwich Castle Museum. There is also one other known varient of this view after Sandby  (see Louis Hawes, Presences of Nature, British Landscapes 1780-1830, 1982, pl. 170). The figures in this painting bear a striking similarity to the early portraits of figures in a landscape by the young Thomas Gainsborough, in particular the Unknown Couple, probably the artist and his future wife (Louvre Museum, Paris).