- 28
Edmund Blair Leighton
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Edmund Blair Leighton
- the shadow
- signed with initials on the wall l.l.: E.B.L.; also signed and inscribed with the artist's address on an old label attached to the reverse
- oil on canvas
- 91 by 61cm., 36 by 24in.
Provenance
M. Newman Ltd, London
Condition
STRUCTURE
Original canvas. There are a few minor spots of staining across the work otherwise it appears in good overall condition.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT
Under UV light some tiny spots flouresce but these appear to correspond to surface dirt.
FRAME
Held in a gilt plaster 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The Shadow is based upon the Greek myth of Debutades, a Corinthian girl who drew the portrait of her beloved on the wall of her bed-chamber by tracing the outline of his shadow cast by the lamp-light on the night before he departed for war. Leighton changed the setting for the drama to the battlements of a medieval castle, below which the young crusader's ships are waiting.
Two other versions of The Shadow are known; one is in the Berman Museum in Anniston, Alabama (formerly the collection of Farley and Germaine Berman, purchased in these rooms, 3 May 1972, lot 140) and the other is in Cardiff City Hall. One of the versions was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1909.
We are grateful to Kara Lysandra Ross for her assistance with the provenance for this picture, which will be included in her forthcoming catalogue raisonne of the artist with the previous lot.
Two other versions of The Shadow are known; one is in the Berman Museum in Anniston, Alabama (formerly the collection of Farley and Germaine Berman, purchased in these rooms, 3 May 1972, lot 140) and the other is in Cardiff City Hall. One of the versions was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1909.
We are grateful to Kara Lysandra Ross for her assistance with the provenance for this picture, which will be included in her forthcoming catalogue raisonne of the artist with the previous lot.