Lot 187
  • 187

James Ward, R.A.

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • James Ward, R.A.
  • The Escape: Two greyhounds coursing a hare
  • signed in monogram lower right: JWARD
  • oil on canvas
  • 26 x 31 cm.; 10 1/4  x 12 1/4  in.

Provenance

Mrs E.M. Ward (the artist's granddaughter), 1909;
With Galerie Christa Crackett, Basel;
From whom purchased in 1986.

Literature

C.R. Grundy, James Ward, R.A., His Life and Works, London 1909, p. 43, under cat. no. 288.

Condition

The canvas is lined, the paint surface is relatively clean, and the varnish is slightly discoloured. The rapid, impasto brushwork is still very evident. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a handful of small retouchings around the silhouette of the hind legs of the principal dog, and to a small vertical area in the background above this dog's head, measuring approx. 1 by 3 cm. In overall very 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."

Catalogue Note

An oil sketch seemingly related to James Ward's 1827 painting on panel, entitled The Escape,1 which was sold London, Christie's, 1829, lot 50, for 27 guineas, and lithographed by Ward himself.2 A further sheet of studies for The Escape in pen and ink is listed by Grundy in the collection of The Honourable John Ward, M.V.O.3 1. See E. Nygren, 'James Ward, RA (1769–1859), Papers and Patrons', in The Walpole Society, 2013, vol. 75, p. 340, cat. no. 378.
2. See Grundy 1909, pl. 8.
3. See Grundy 1909, pl. 27.