JOHN FREDERICK LEWIS, R.A. | A veiled Egyptian girl, Cairo

With Lowell Libson, London, by 2010

B. Llewellyn, ‘The Woman in Blue: John Frederick Lewis’s Cairo figure studies’, Lowell Libson Ltd. catalogue British Paintings Watercolours and Drawings, 2010, pp. 92 & 93, fig. 2

The medium has survived well in this work. The colours remain strong and fresh. The sheet has darkened and there are two small, skilfully repaired tears locations in the extreme right corner and below the sitters feet. Both can only be seen on very close inspection. The work is laid down to conservation paper and is well presented.
"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.
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Lewis probably executed this finely observed figure study in Cairo, where he lived between late 1841 and early 1851. Although the identity of the model is currently unknown, a number of others studies of her exist. A watercolour showing her in a similar pose to the present sheet is in the Ford Collection, while another - showing her facing more towards the viewer - was sold at Sotheby's, 14 April 1994, lot  502. We are grateful to Briony Llewellyn for her help when cataloguing this work.