Julius Caesar Ibbetson

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in generally good condition, there are a number of minor abrasions to the upper section of the canvas and there are scattered flecks of minor paint loss, predominantly in the lower right quadrant of the picture. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals a layer of discoloured varnish and uneven dirt on the picture surface overall. FRAME Held in a carved wooden 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."

Painted in 1792 this summer scene is a charming example of Ibbetson's paintings of rural life. Ibbetson and his patron, the Hon. Robert Fulke Greville, joined by the watercolourist John 'Warwick' Smith, had made a tour of Wales in 1792. The closely observed details in this painting now serve as an important historical record illustrating the traditional agricultural practises of the eighteenth-century. It presents a nostalgic glimpse of rural life before the dramatic machine based developments of the industrial revolution.