Henry Roderick Newman

Private Collection, Rhode Island

in good condition, generally; a vertical tear, about 2 in. long (with a small puncture to its left) at lower left, near left edge; slight soiling to surface: a few scattered, minor stains (lower left, in sky at center); overall, work is fresh, crisp, bright; sheet is hinged to (acid-free backing with pieces of white paper tape along the edges, verso)
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to Harry Buxton Forman, the principal nineteenth century source about Newman's life, John Ruskin, after being shown Newman’s work in 1877, encouraged the artist to create watercolors of the Old Market in Florence. The present work depicts another market, a flower market along the Via Tornabuoni along the front of the famed Palazzo Strozzi. In the background, the Column and Statue of Justice stands at the center of the Piazza Santa Trinita, and behind that the medieval Palazzo Spini Feroni. The work is typical of Newman's scrupulous topographical accuracy combined with his love of botanical detail, especially Florentine wildflowers. 

We are grateful to Royal W. Leith for his help with the cataloguing of this lot.