Circle of Richard Wilson, R.A.

The canvas has an old but firm relining, and some original impasto remains intact. The painting has recently been cleaned and restored and the paint surface appears in good overall condition. There are some minor scattered retouchings to the margins of the trees on both sides and around the dancing figures. The sky and mountains have been washed over. The varnish is clear and even and the painting will not require further attention.
"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."

The composition is taken from a painting executed on a larger scale by Wilson, which is on loan to the Neue Pinakothek, Munich (Inv. Nr. HUW 36), a reduced version of which is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (42-1880). The dimensions of this picture possibly identify it as a painting that was at the Sabin Gallery in 1945, which had been bought at Christie’s in 1939, and which was described as ‘perhaps by Wilson’ by W.G. Constable in his 1953 catalogue. A picture of similar size was also in the Munro of Novar collection, which was sold by Christie’s in 1878, where it was bought by Agnews.