Frederick Richard Lee, R.A.

Royal Academy, 1862, no.667

STRUCTURE The canvas has been relined. The paint surface appears stable with characteristic craquelure appearing mainly in the sky; otherwise good, clean condition. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT UV light reveals tiny scattered retouchings in the sky, otherwise good original condition. FRAME Contained in a later vine and leaf roped plaster moulded gilt frame, some chips missing. For more information regarding this picture please contact the Victorian & Edwardian Pictures Department on +44 (0)207 293 5718
"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 present work is one of a series painted by Lee in the early 1860s depicting the mighty rock of Gibraltar. With its commanding position overlooking the entrance to the Mediterranean, it has been of vital tactical significance for centuries and the monumentality of the present composition reflects this. 

Gibraltar was first fortified in the 1150s by Sultan Abd Al-mu'min and was under Moorish rule until 1462 when it was recaptured by the Duke of Medina Sidonia. In August 1704, during the war of the Spanish succession, the rock fell to an allied force of British and Dutch Troops commanded by Admiral Sir George Rooke and formally became a British territory following the treaty of Utrecht in 1713. The territory was further fortified throughout the eighteenth century to withstand numerous attempts by the Spanish to recapture it.

By the time the present work was executed the rock was a vital base for the Royal Navy and a powerful battery can be seen in the foreground. In the distance, just visible at the summit of the rock, stands O'Hara's Tower, above the plateau of Windmill Hill. It was named after Lieutenant General Charles O'Hara who governed Gibraltar from 1787 to 1799. O'Hara's tenure was defined by lavish parties which endeared him to the residents and earned him the nickname 'The Old Cock of the Rock'.