English follower of Giovanni Antonio Canal, called Canaletto

Thomas F.C. Vernon-Wentworth (1831–1902), Wentworth Castle, and by direct descent to his son;
Captain Bruce Canning Vernon-Wentworth (1862–1951), Wentworth Castle, Stainborough, South Yorkshire;
His sale, London, Christie’s, 13 November 1919, lot 104 (as S. Scott, A View on the Thames at Adelphi Terrace), for £360, to Leggatt;
With Richard Green, London (as Joseph Nichols).

The canvas has been lined, the paint surface is clean, and the varnish is clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals very little intervention, save for: a thin horizontal line of very slightly discoloured retouching in the sky, upper left, measuring approx. 30 cm.; retouching to three superficial surface scratches in the sky, centre, the longest 6 cm. long; and a very small area of retouching in the grass below the woman by the fountain, 1 x 1 cm. There are minimal and sparse pinprick retouchings scattered in the sky, but the painting is really in excellent overall condition. Offered in a carved and gilded Kent frame in good 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 view of Old Somerset House and its gardens that lead down to the bank of the River Thames is likely to have been inspired by two paintings by Canaletto of the 1750s. Canaletto treated Old Somerset House from two viewpoints: the first is from the Thames and is a near direct view of the house,¹ the second does not include the house itself, but is painted from a vantage point very similar to that of the present work and depicts the gardens at the left and an extensive view of the bustling Thames throughout the right two-thirds of the canvas.² The present view is painted from the same spot in the formal gardens, near the wall by the river, but the artist has turned northwards so as to offer us a clear view of the terrace and house. Old Somerset House was demolished in 1775.  

1. W.G. Constable, Canaletto, Oxford 1976, vol. I, reproduced pl. 77, fig. 423.
2. Constable 1976, vol. I, reproduced pl. 79, fig. 428a.