Thomas Jacques Somerscales

STRUCTURE The canvas is unlined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in very good condition with no visible damage or loss of paint. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals two repaired tears to the canvas. The first is situated in the lower centre and runs up from the canvas edge for approx. 3 cm., before running horizontally for approx. 50 cm. and then vertically for 40 cm. to the canvas edge in the upper right hand corner. The second vertical tear is situated on the centre right and measures approx. 9 cm. There are a further four minor repaired tears, the first, a diagonal tear measuring approx. 4 cm. in the upper left hand corner. The second, measuing approx 5 cm., is situated in the lower centre and runs horizontally parallel to first tear mentioned above. The third and fourth are situated side by side in the lower right hand corner, each measuring approx. 4 cm. FRAME Held in a gilt wood frame To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@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."

The son of a Hull shipmaster, Thomas Somerscales contracted Malaria in 1869 whilst visiting Panama with H.M.S. Zealous. Due to the severity of his illness he was put ashore at Valparaiso in Chile, and discharged from the Royal Navy. It was there, whilst working as a teacher, that he started working as a professional painter.