Pre-Raphaelite School

Christie's, London, 15 December 1972, lot 31 (attributed to Arthur Hughes), purchased by the Maas Gallery, London on behalf of the brother of the present owner

STRUCTURE The picture is unlined and in very good condition. There are areas of paint loss where the surface has flaked; to the door-frame, to the step, to the marble floor to the right of the edge of the girl's skirt, to the lower edge, to an area on the girl's skirt near the edge of her blouse (where there is an area of lifting paint) and a few small areas to the foliage. The lower and right stretcher-bars have pressed against the canvas. UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT The varnish appears opaque but there are a few small areas of minor retouching visible: to the dark-haired girl's hair and cheek and retouchings to the stretcher bar cracks. Thes have been well executed. FRAME The picture is contained in a moulder plaster frame (in good condition).
"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."

Attribution of this finely-wrought painting has proved inconclusive but based on the highly detailed style it would appear to date from the 1850s - that fertile decade for artists of the Pre-Raphaelite circle. It is likely to be by one of the talented artists on the periphery of the movement who were influenced by the charismatic genius of John Everett Millais. Possible attributions are Charles Allston Collins, Robert Braithwaite Martineau, Frederick George Stephens, Thomas Windus or Augustus Leopold Egg.