William John Huggins

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 11 March 1960, lot 137 (bt. by Brall for 300 gns)

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be in good condition. There are no apparent damages of loss of paint and the painting appears to have been sensitively cleaned. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals strengthening in the sky, centre and upper left. There is extensive infilling to craquelure overall, particularly in the lower left and centre right, and there is some strengthening to the sky to the right of the sails of the Junk on right. There is retouching to one very small tear, upper right, but otherwise the picture appears undamaged. FRAME Held in a gilded wooden 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."

Engraved:
in aquatint by Edward Duncan, published in 1838

The ships depicted include the British merchantman Eugenia and the brig Jamesina, and an American ship which may be the brig Cadet, as well as several local Junks.