Conrad Martens

Crawford Fine Art, Melbourne
Purchased from the above in 1986

This work has not been viewed out of its frame but appears to be in good stable 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."

Conrad Martens first ventured out of Sydney in 1835, travelling into the Blue Mountains, up the Nepean River and north to the Illawarra, an expedition which furnished views and sketches that sustained his practice for many years. This picturesque image is of Norton's Basin, a waterhole near Wallacia, at a point on the Nepean just before it joins the Warragamba. Norton's Basin was one of those subjects to which Martens returned on a number of occasions; five versions are recorded in his account books between 1836 and 1873.
As well as several drawings of Norton's Basin amongst the State Library of New South Wales's Martens holdings, a small but finished watercolour is held in the Caroline Simpson Collection of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales, while a larger version, very similar to the present work, is in the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The latter and the present work are probably the two recorded in the artist's ledgers as having been sold in 1873: one to a 'Mr Francis of Melbourne' on 30 July for 21 guineas, the other to Josiah Mullins in November for 20 guineas.

We are most grateful to Elizabeth Ellis for her assistance in cataloguing this work.