- 225
William Pars, A.R.A.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description
- William Pars, A.R.A.
- The Ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, Rome
- Watercolour over pencil heightened with touches of bodycolour on laid paper watermarked: WHATMAN
- 275 by 496 mm
Provenance
With Walker's Galleries, London, by 1952;
by whom sold to the grand-father of the present owner
by whom sold to the grand-father of the present owner
Condition
This rare watercolour has survived well. The pigments may be faded slightly but the composition retains a good balance. The large sheet has remained largely intact, there is a small repaired tear at the extreme lower edge and a small indentation in the centre of the composition (these can both only been seen on very close inspection). In a raking light it is possible to see one of two minor areas where the sheet has been rubbed. The sheet is attached at several places verso to an acid-free backing.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This rare watercolour depicts the celebrated Baths of Caracalla. The second largest public baths in Rome, they were built during the reign of Emperor Caracalla, between AD 212 and 216.
In 1775 William Pars was sent to Rome by the Society of Dilettanti to paint. This was his second chance to experience Italy, as he had travelled there with Lord Palmerston in 1770. This time Pars stayed for seven years, until his untimely death in 1782, caused by a chill that he caught while out sketching at Tivoli.
During his seven years in Italy, he largely based himself in Rome and was very much a central figure in the artistic community there. He was particularly close to his fellow countrymen, John ‘Warwick’ Smith, Thomas Jones and Francis Towne.