JOHN LONGSTAFF

Private collection, United Kingdom

Overall cracking to the surface and slight deformation along inner line of stretch. Fair condition.
"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."

This dashing keepsake self-portrait is dedicated to 'mon ami Barlow'. The Barlow in question is probably the British landscape painter John Noble Barlow (1861-1917). Like Longstaff, Barlow was part of the expatriate Anglophile art student community in late 19th-century Paris - Barlow studied at the Académie Julien, Longstaff at Corman's.  Although Barlow was in the United States when Longstaff first arrived in Paris, he returned to Europe in 1889, before moving back across the Channel to St Ives in 1892. It therefore seems likely the two met in Paris at this time, when both were in their late twenties and beginning to establish their respective professional reputations. The evidence of history, of Longstaff's artistic style and of the French-language inscription permit a dating to circa 1889-92.