John Stanney

Anonymous sale, London, Christie's, 2 April 1971, lot 129.

London, Tate Gallery, Manners and Morals. Hogarth and British Painting 1700–1760, 1987, no. 48.

E.K. Waterhouse, The Dictionary of British Eighteenth century Painters in Oils and Crayons, Woodbridge 1981, p. 358.

The canvas is relined and the paint surface is secure and stable, and the painting in overall good condition. The varnish appears thick and clear. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye, only some discoloured retouchings to the craquelure in the skull. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals that there are two campaigns of retouchings - the earlier, including those in the skull, includes also retouchings throughout the niche top left, and the white of the letter at the bottom left of the composition, and other strengthenings throughout the dark tones around the stone ledge. The newer retouchings are small sensitively executed strengthenings throughout the glass of the timer, the shadows of the skull and shell. The varnish is thick and fluoresces opaque under ultra violet - any earlier retouchings in the dark tones of the background would be hard to make out. In generally good overall condition. This lot is offered in a Dutch style black bevelled frame in fair 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."

This is an exceptionally rare example of a native British still life painting in the first half of the 18th century. It is the only known work by Stanney, but its level of quality suggests that he may have been more than an amateur. The design is to some extent inspired by a vanitas still life of 1664 by Cornelius Gysbrechts today in the Ferens Art Gallery in Kingston-upon-Hull, although Stanney has incorporated some additional details of his own, notably the small hunting horn.¹

1. Reproduced in O. Koetser, Painted Illusions. The Art of Cornelius Gysbrechts, exhibiton catalogue, London, National Gallery, 2000, p. 32, no. 9.