George Richmond, R.A.

Estimate

4,000 - 6,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

George Richmond, R.A.
A Recollection of William Blake (1757-1827)
Watercolour, on wove paper watermarked: [J WH]ATMAN /[TURKE]Y MILL/ [18]36;
inscribed upper left in pen and brown ink: Prepared size; further inscribed, in a later hand, lower right in pencil: William Blake -
275 by 185 mm

Provenance

By descent in the artist's family until;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 8 April 1998, lot 105

Condition

The watercolour has survived in good condition and is bright. The paper has a little surface dirt and there are the occasional very minor soft creases, but is in a generally well preserved state. The work is not laid down.
"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 posthumous portrait of Blake is both moving and rare. Richmond first met Blake at the aged of sixteen and the older artist’s ideas soon profoundly influence him. When, in 1827, Blake died, Richmond was present and he once described speaking to him like ‘conversing with the prophet Isaiah’.¹

^{1. M. Davis, William Blake A New Kind of Man, Berkeley and Los Angeles, p. 154}