Sir Joseph Noel Paton, R.S.A.

The Fine Art Society, London, 1977;
Private collection

STRUCTURE Original canvas. There is a patch lower left measuring approximatly 4 by 1cm. The varnish has discoloured and there is a faint stretcher bar mark along the left edge. Otherwise the work is in generally good overall condition. ULTRAVIOLET UV reveals an area of retouching which corresponds to the aforementioned patch and a further line of retouching to the woman's necklace. FRAME Held under glass in a gilt plaster frame; unexamined out of frame.
"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."

Paton shows the heroine of Alfred Tennyson's poem in this oil tondo and evokes a mythic medieval past loosely based on Arthurian legend. Wearing an elaborate metal halter of Celtic design and with a backdrop of tapestry (perhaps intended as the magic web which she is forced to weave), The Lady of Shalott is seen to be incarcerated, having been cursed to a life of solitude and isolation, even to the extent that she is not permitted to look directly at the world outside, but may only to do in the reflection in a mirror. The artist shows her leaning forward to try to watch the passing scene in the glass. CSN