Edmund Blair Leighton

Purchased from the artist by Mr. Hewitt, Hammersmith;
Christie's, 19 February 1960, lot 157, bought by 'B. Cohen';
Private collection

STRUCTURE & ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT The canvas is unlined. There is craquelure throughout. There are numerous flecks of retouching to the sky which have become discoloured and are apparent to the naked eye. would benefit from a light clean. FRAME In a later gilt composition 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."

This painting is the second version of The Ferry Boat, which is known from a black and white photograph and differs in the costumes of the figures and background details. The setting is along the Waveney River in Norfolk, which ran near the artist's summer home and the barn in the background was Leighton's own. Behind the house was a man-made lake where Leighton could stage his models in a boat to capture the effect of being on the water in a controlled environment without the flow of the river to contend with. When this picture was sold in 1960, it was stated to have been painted in 1921.

We are grateful to Kara Lysandra Ross for her help in cataloguing this lot.