Sir John Everett Millais, P.R.A.

J.S. Maas & Co, London where purchased by the present owner

The sheet does not appears to be laid down and cockles slightly. The sheet has discoloured otherwise appears sound overall. Held under glass in a gilt wood frame with a beige mount (discoloured); 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."

This is a sketch for Millais' painting of 1881 Sweetest Eyes were Ever Seen (National Galleries of Scotland) depicting Miss Beatrice Buckstone, grand-daughter of a famous comedian who Millais' daughters met at the St. James' Theatre in the winter of 1880-1. She also posed for Cinderella and Caller Herrin. Millais' son said of her; 'Her face was simply perfect, both in form and colour, and nothing more could be more charming than the contrast between the bright golden hair and those big, blue-grey Irish eyes that peeped at you from under the shade of the longest black lashes that ever adorned a human face. The pictures for which she sat in no way exaggerated her beauty; they were but portraits of her own sweet self.' (J.G. Millais, The Life and Letters of Sir John Everett Millais, vol.II, 1899, p.128)