- 67
Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S.
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 USD
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Description
- Studies done in Buckingham Palace Yard Stables
- signed Alfred Munnings (lower center), signed and inscribed Studies done in Buckingham Palace yard stables., A.J. Munnings (lower left)
- oil on board
- 13 3/4 by 16 1/2 in.
- 34.9 by 156.2 cm
Provenance
Wildenstein & Co, New York (as Studies of the Royal Coachmen)
Eliza Winn Lloyd Moore, New York
Thence by descent
Eliza Winn Lloyd Moore, New York
Thence by descent
Condition
This board is stable, and while there is some surface dirt, the colors remain vibrant and the impasto fresh. Under UV: there are no apparent retouches.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
At even the earliest stages, Munnings’ was extraordinarily skilled at capturing color, movement and detail in preparation for a finished work. In the case of Studies done in Buckingham Palace Yard Stables, three unfinished figures are presented against a minimal background, and while their bodies are not fully rendered, the ceremony associated with these liveried coachmen, who played an important role in royal transport and official processions, is on display.
While this particular livery does not appear in any finished paintings by Munnings, the hard hats and riding whip suggest that they are outriders who rode postilion in front of the royal carriages. Munnings painted major canvases for the Royal Family on four separate occasions: in 1921 for The Prince of Wales on Forest Witch, in 1922 for his painting of the Drummer of the First Life Guards on a skewbald horse (The Life Guards Serving Officers' Trust), in 1925 for The Ascot Procession crossing Windsor Park (The Royal Collection, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) and Their Majestie’s return from Ascot (Tate Gallery, London), and finally in 1954 for H.M. The Queen and Aureole in the Paddock at Epsom before the Coronation Cup at the Derby meeting. The latter three paintings feature the livery of the Royal Family’s coachmen.
While this particular livery does not appear in any finished paintings by Munnings, the hard hats and riding whip suggest that they are outriders who rode postilion in front of the royal carriages. Munnings painted major canvases for the Royal Family on four separate occasions: in 1921 for The Prince of Wales on Forest Witch, in 1922 for his painting of the Drummer of the First Life Guards on a skewbald horse (The Life Guards Serving Officers' Trust), in 1925 for The Ascot Procession crossing Windsor Park (The Royal Collection, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) and Their Majestie’s return from Ascot (Tate Gallery, London), and finally in 1954 for H.M. The Queen and Aureole in the Paddock at Epsom before the Coronation Cup at the Derby meeting. The latter three paintings feature the livery of the Royal Family’s coachmen.