BERNARD SLEIGH | Beatrice

Sotheby's, Belgravia, 27 April 1982, lot 335, where purchased by Seymour Stein

This watercolour is in excellent original condition. The paper has been laid onto board which is providing a flat and stable support. There are no signs of staining or foxing and only a very minor area of deterioration to gum Arabic on the back of Beatrice's hair (only visible upon very close inspection). FRAME The watercolour is contained in a moulded composite gilt frame 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."

Like Meteyard, Bernard Sleigh was a teacher at Birmingham School of Art in the city in which Burne-Jones had also been born and raised. The influence of Burne-Jones is very apparent in the present depiction of Beatrice Portinari, the beloved of Dante Alghieri, although there also appears to be some knowledge of the work of Rossetti with whom the story of Beatrice and Dante’s love is most associated. Behind Beatrice in Sleigh’s picture are two quotations from Dante’s best-known works, Purgatorio and La Vita Nouva, both of which refer to Beatrice (the Italian is slightly inaccurate); ‘Behold, a deity stronger than I; who coming, shall rule over me’ and ‘Look over here! I am, I truly am Beatrice!'