Alexander Nasmyth

STRUCTURE The canvas has been firmly lined. PAINT SURFACE The painting appears to be good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for two very very minor paint losses in the lower left and lower centre respectively. There is also evidence of a discoloured varnish overall and well as localised areas of surface dirt predominantly concentrated in the lower right. A thin uneven spidery craquelure, in keeping with the paintings age, can be seen throughout the sky. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the opacity of the varnish overall which Makes further inspection difficult. FRAME Held in a gilt wood 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."

A similar version was sold as part of a pair in these rooms on 10 July 1985 which departed only from this in the arrangment of the figures. The architectural detail is very similar to Joseph Wright of Derby's 'The Colosseum, Daylight' currently in the Derby Museum and Art Gallery (Cat. 246).