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JOHN RUSKIN | Study of a Shell
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- Study of a Shell
- Watercolor over pencil, heightened with bodycolor;signed lower right: J.R., inscribed lower left by Anne Dundas: Original study by Mr Ruskin / ADundas. [sic] / bought fr [from] William Ward – 1892 -
- 144 by 169 mm; 5 5/8 by 6 5/8 in
Provenance
William Ward (1829-1908);
from whom acquired by Anne Dundas (1830-1913);
by family descent to the present owner
from whom acquired by Anne Dundas (1830-1913);
by family descent to the present owner
Exhibited
On loan to the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (1913-2018)
Condition
The sheet is very well preserved. There is the ocassional minor foxmark but these can only be seen on very close inspection. The sheet 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.
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
With a refined and pared down palette, Ruskin depicts his subject in actual size. As is characteristic of these studies from nature, which date to the late 1860s and early 1870s, Ruskin has taken immense care to record every detail of the shell, possibly an ark clam, in thick bodycolor and translucent watercolor.
The inscription indicates that William Ward, one of Ruskin's most talented pupils at the Working Men's College in London, once owned this sheet. We are grateful to Professor Stephen Wildman for his help when cataloguing this lot.
The inscription indicates that William Ward, one of Ruskin's most talented pupils at the Working Men's College in London, once owned this sheet. We are grateful to Professor Stephen Wildman for his help when cataloguing this lot.