James Northcote R.A.

Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery;
Christie's London, Boydell Gallery sale, 3rd day, 20th May 1805, lot 51, sold to G. Stainforth Esq for £210;
Lord Northbrook, Stratton Park;
Stratton Park sale, 27 November 1929, lot 492

Fondazione Magnani Rocca, Parma, Italy, Fuseli and Shakespeare. Painting and Theatre 1775 – 1825, 6 September – 7 December 1997;
Heim Gallery, The Painted Word, British History Painting 1750-1830, 1991, no. 66

S. Gwynn, Memories of an 18th Century Painter, 1898, p. 273, no. 254;
W. M. Merchant, Shakespeare and the Artist, 1959, p. 238;
W. H Friedman, Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery, New York (Garland)

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in generally good condition. There is a small crack to the paint, approximately three inches long in the centre right of the canvas, to which there is some associated retouching. There is some residue and addrassion to the edges of the canvas, and there is some minor rubbing in the lower left of the canvas, as well as a small scratch. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered minor retouchings and infilling to craquelure overall. There is also some retouching around Juliet's outstretched hand, and in the drapery of her arm. FRAME The painting is unframed. For further information on this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on 0207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com.
"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."

ENGRAVED:
by P. Simon and J. Heath for J. Boydell's collection

The subject of this painting is taken from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, which movingly illustrates the following lines;
Romeo!      
Alack, alack, what blood is this, which stains 
The stony entrance of this sepulchre? 
What mean these masterless and gory swords 
To lie discolour'd by this place of peace?