- 52
Stanhope Alexander Forbes, R.A.
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Stanhope Alexander Forbes, R.A.
- Gossips
- signed and dated l.r.: Stanhope A. Forbes./ 1907
- oil on canvas
- 92 by 77cm., 36¼ by 30¼in.
Provenance
W. Rodman, Belfast where purchased in 1924 by a private collector and thence by descent until 2000;
Christie's, London, 24 November 2000, lot 109;
Richard Green, London;
Private collection
Christie's, London, 24 November 2000, lot 109;
Richard Green, London;
Private collection
Condition
Original canvas. Two faint areas of craquelure to the back of the boy's head and near the base of his back; these appear stable and only visible upon close inspection. The work appears in good overall condition.
Under ultraviolet light there appear to be minor flecks of retouching to frame abrasions along each edge. Some flecks of retouching to the baskets and a small area of retouching by the boy's right knee.
Held in a gilt plaster frame.
"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
In Gossips one can see the principles of Forbes’ artistic outlook which represented his break from traditional Victorian painting, taking three generations of local villagers in casual conversation as its subject, and painted with broad but descriptive brushstrokes, while the distinctive Cornish light is seen in the landscape in the background. The challenges of their way of life are also evident in their rugged appearance, particularly the elder lady with the broom upon her shoulder.
Gossips was among the first pictures painted after Stanhope and his wife Elizabeth Forbes' move to Higher Faugan, a large house on Chywoone Hill above Newlyn. He took his vantage from the coastal road, which was only a short walk from his house, looking east to the harbour and town of Newlyn.