JAMES-JACQUES-JOSEPH TISSOT | Lady Mary Craven

Purchased in Paris in 1923 by Julian G. Lousada and thence by descent to Sir Anthony Lousada by whom sold Christie's, London, 14 March 1997, lot 38, where purchased by the present owner

London, National Gallery (Tate), Millbank, List of Loans at the opening Exhibition of the Modern Foreign Gallery, 1926;
London, Leicester Galleries, In the Seventies: An Exhibition of Paintings by James Tissot, 1933, no.3;
Sheffield, Graves Art Gallery, James Tissot (1836-1902): An Exhibition of Paintings, Drawings and Etchings, 1955, no.54;
London, Barbican Art Gallery; Manchester, Whitworth Art Gallery, and Paris, Musée du Petit Palais, James Tissot, 1984-5, no. 31.

This drawing has not been laid down and is in good condition. There is a pinhole to the paper in the shadow behind her bustle. The paper has cockled slightly and is a little time stained and dirty with faint foxings - it would benefit from a light clean. FRAME The picture is contained in a moulded plaster and gilt frame with a clean mount and under glass.
"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 watercolour probably dates from the early 1870s. When it was purchased in Paris in 1923, the sitter was identified as Lady Mary Craven, who was probably Evelyn Mary, second daughter of the 2nd Earl of Craven. She married George Brudenell Bruce in 1862, heir to the 3rd Marquess of Ailesbury. Following his death in 1868 she married Captain Henry Beauclerk Coventry; they divorced in 1877 and she married George Hutton Riddell of Muselee in Roxburghsire.