Richard Wilson, R.A.

James Hughes Anderdon, Upper Grosvenor Street, London;
His sale, London, Christie's, 31 May 1879, probably lot 273 (described as R. Wilson R.A. / An Italian River Landscape with figures), for £65;
Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 30 June 1950, lot 162, to Ralph Edwards;
Anonymous sale, London, Sotheby's, 8 April 1992, lot 75, where acquired by the present owner.

London, Royal Academy, Exhibition of Old Masters, 1873, no. 41 (as 'Italian View').

W. G. Constable, Richard Wilson, 1953, p. 228, type III, no 5.

The picture appears to be in good condition and is slightly lighter than the catalogue illustration suggests. The canvas has a firm lining but this does not appear to have overly affected the surface of the paint. There is still noticeable impasto in the white highlights, the surface pigments are strong and there is no visible canvas weave or evident abrasion to the paint. The picture therefore appears to be in very good condition, with no apparent extant damage or loss of paint. Examination under ultraviolet light reveals no major restoration or damage. There is some old retouching to craquelure and minor strengthening in the sky but otherwise the picture appears to be in largely original condition. Held in a carved and gilded wooden 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.
"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."

We are grateful to Dr Paul Spencer-Longhurst for endorsing the attribution to Richard Wilson following first hand inspection. The painting is to be included in his forthcoming catalogue raisonné of Richard Wilson's paintings, which is due to be published online in association with the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art.