Alfred Edward Emslie, A.R.W.S.

Christopher Wood, London, June 1990

The sheet appears to be sound. Some minor discolouring, particularly at the edges and some craquelure to the gum arabic. Held under glass in a gilt plaster frame with a cream mount; unexamined out of 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."

Alfred Edward Emslie exhibited widely at the Royal Academy, Grosvenor Gallery, Old Watercolour Society, and latterly at the New English Art Club. His paintings were often figure subjects - rustic scenes of toil or labour in the realist tradition which attempted to inform the public of the hardships experienced by workers in the countryside and the poor of the growing cities. Later in his career, he turned to portraiture and religious subjects. The present work is more romantic in tenor – a young girl is seated in a beached rowing boat at low tide with her pet dog. Both stare wistfully at the horizon, as the sun sets below an almost cloudless sky. The mood is calm and peaceful, one imagines the child waiting for the return of a loved one or perhaps contemplating their recent departure.