- 223
Richard Wilson, R.A.
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Richard Wilson, R.A.
- A View of Wilton House from the South-East
- oil on canvas
Provenance
Probably painted for Paul Panton (1727–97), Plas Gwyn, Pentraeth, Anglesey;
Thence by descent to the present owners.
Thence by descent to the present owners.
Literature
W. G. Constable, Richard Wilson, London 1953, p. 189, under plate 58a, b;
Included in 'Richard Wilson Online', the online catalogue raisonné of the works of Richard Wilson by Paul Spencer-Longhurst, ref. no. P76C.
Included in 'Richard Wilson Online', the online catalogue raisonné of the works of Richard Wilson by Paul Spencer-Longhurst, ref. no. P76C.
ENGRAVED:
By W. Watts for his Seats of the Nobility and Gentry, published 20 May 1786, plate LXXXII
Condition
The canvas is lined and the paint surface is stable with a discoloured varnish. There are some old restored damages in the sky that are visible to the naked eye as the retouching has become discoloured. One damage is a 6 inch horizontal old tear, and two others are 1 inch squared repaired old damages. There is some distinctive cracquleure in the top central part of the sky and in the bottom right corner, perhaps caused by the lining process. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals work only on the aforementioned old damages and no other restoration. This painting is in overall very good original 'country house' condition.
"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
Wilson painted five large views of Wilton, the great Palladian mansion designed by Inigo Jones for Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke. Pembroke had met the artist in Italy in 1754 and had greatly admired his work. There is a smaller preparatory oil study of this composition at Wilton and two further versions, one in the Ford collection. A black chalk drawing of the composition was also recorded with Colnaghi in 1951. The present picture was the basis for the engraving by Watts for Seats of the Nobility and Gentry in 1786.