John Frederick Lewis, R.A.

Francis Barlow Teesdale (1829-1919);
by family descent to the present owner

The watercolour and bodycolour in this work has remained well preserved. The colours are fresh and bright. The paper has discoloured, as a result of exposure to sun-light and this is particularly noticeable around the extreme edges of the sheet, where there is a brown line (connected with previous mounting). The sheet is not laid down. For further information on this lot, please contact Mark Griffith-Jones on 0207 293 5083 ormark.griffithjones@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."

It has been suggested that this striking drawing dates to the early 1830s, a time when Lewis was living in Spain. Between 1832 and 1833 he travelled extensively in that country and in May 1833 even crossed the sea to experience Tangier.  The man depicted in this work is however neither Spanish nor Moroccan. Instead he appears to be Greek and Lewis may have encountered him at the coast, for at that time Greek sailors were to be found throughout the Mediterranean.

We would like to thank Briony Llewellyn and Charles Newton for their assistance in cataloguing this lot.