Old Master & British Paintings Day Sale

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Lot 191
  • 191

Henry Bone R.A.

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • Henry Bone R.A.
  • Madonna of the Rocks, After Leonardo da Vinci

  • signed l.r.: HBone 1808; further signed and inscribed verso: London / March 1808. / Painted by Henry Bone ARA Enamel Painter / to His Royal Highnefs [sic] the Prince of Wales / for the Rt. Honble [sic] the Earl of Suffolk after / the Original by Leonardo da Vinci in / the Collection of his Lordship .- / Size 6 feet 2 1/2 inches Original / by 3 - 11 - Picture  

  • Enamel, held in gilt-metal mount and wooden frame
  • 36.7 by 27 cm.; 14 1/2 by 10 1/2 in.

Provenance

Commissioned by John Howard, 15th Earl of Suffolk and 8th Earl of Berkshire (1739-1820);
A. Cassar by whom sold, London, Sotheby's, 4 June 1973, lot 90, (bt. Baile);
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 8 July 1987, lot 322;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 11 July 1991, lot 282

Literature

R. Walker, 'Henry Bone's Pencil Drawings', Walpole Society, Vol. LXI, 1999, London, p. 355, no. 628

Condition

The enamel has remained in very good condition. There are no cracks, repairs or losses to the surface. The frame is not likely to be original and is slightly worn.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Henry Bone R.A. was the leading British painter in enamel of his day. He enjoyed Royal patronage under George III, George IV and William IV. As Bone's inscription reveals he executed this enamel in 1808 for the Earl of Suffolk, from the original then in that collection.

Leonardo da Vinci's painting is thought to date from 1508 and initially formed the central panel of the altarpiece for the chapel of the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception in S. Francesco, Milan. It is believed to have replaced an earlier panel painting which had been commissioned from Leonardo in 1483 (Louvre Museum, Paris). In 1785 the painting was acquired on behalf of the Marquess of Lansdowne by Gavin Hamilton (1723–1798). It subsequently entered the collection of the Earls of Suffolk and was purchased from them by the National Gallery of London in 1880.