George Frederic Watts, O.M., R.A.

Sotheby's, Belgravia, 23 June 1981, lot 228;
Private collection

STRUCTURE The panel is sound but has bowed slightly. There are no signs of craquelure There is a vertical line below the girls dress which may relate to a repaired crack to the panel. The picture might benefit from a light clean. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There is a vertical line of retouching to the knight's face which appears to be a restoration to a scratch. This has been well executed and is not visible to the naked eye. There is another repaired scratch or crack to the area below the girl's dress which would benefit from being reapplied as it has discoloured. There is an area of retouching close to the right edge and other minor retouchings elsewhere. However these are not excessive. The varnish appears opaque. FRAME Contained in a simple modern gilt 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."

'The hero is unmistakably Watts himself. No less certain is the identification of the frail young girl who delicately embraces him as Ellen Terry, the inclination of her head the very embodiment of yeilding tenderness. The middle-aged knight leans on his last and gently looks down at her, protectively, with a kind of sad satisfaction; satisfied perhaps at being able to sheild her from what he conceived to be the dangers and temptations of her previous life, yet sad precisely because age and long habits of abstinence obliged him to be protector rather than lover. This is a picture full of compassion, a story of two unhappy people who find consolation by ministering to one another's infirmities.' (D. Loshak, 'G. F. Watts and Ellen Terry', Burlington Magazine, November 1963, p.484)